The Opposition chief Raila Odinga has clarified that he made orders on Likoni dredging works just like any other Kenyan.
While speaking during the 55th Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront grounds in Mombasa, Raila took a swipe at his critics who were demanding clarification on his role in the Government.
“Raila talked like a Kenyan and luckily they stopped and the rescuers were able to retrieve the bodies that had drowned at the Likoni channel,” he said.
On October 5, Raila ordered dredging works stopped while visiting the Likoni channel to enable those involved in the recovery efforts to work without interference.
Dredging works were ongoing to widen the channel in order to allow bigger ships to dock at the Mombasa port.
“I want to give an order here that the dredging work stops immediately so that those who are working here can work without interference,” Raila said.
The orders drew strong reactions from a section of leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto with fingers pointing to the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
And in his speech, the ODM leader insisted on unity urging Kenyans rally to behind the handshake and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
“Our independence heroes fought for the Republic of Kenya and that’s why we should remain united,” he said.
A matter that was echoed by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho in his opening remarks. Joho revealed that some members of ODM Party were reluctant to support the Handshake
“There are people within our ranks who reluctant to support the handshake. They are people who want politics throughout the year,” he said.
Joho also highlighted on the standoff between the traders and the government over the decision to make it compulsory to use SGR for transportation of cargo. He urged the President to address the issues raised by traders.
