Leaders differ on alleged plot to kill Raila

By PROTUS ONYANGO and RUSHDIE OUDIA

Kenya: Mixed reactions have greeted claims by nominated MP Dr Oburu Oginga that some EAC  leaders are plotting to assassinate former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Oburu, while speaking at the inaugural graduation ceremony of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, alleged the EAC leaders recently met in Nairobi where they hatched to kill Raila.

“I am reliably informed that the leaders claim Raila is behind the problems Kenya is currently facing,” said Oburu.

His remarks have elicited mixed reactions from across the political divide.

Manoah Esipisu, the State House spokesman, dismissed the allegations. “It is total nonsense. It is cheap politics which should stop,” Esipisu said.

However, in a telephone interview with The Standard on Sunday, Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba said the allegations were serious at a time when the country was experiencing a spate of terror attacks and dismissed Esipisu’s sentiments as cheap politics.

“Allegations against Heads of States have diplomatic implications and I hope it is not cheap politics,” said Ababu who urged Oburu to publicly name the accused. “I want to believe Raila is safe wherever he is and that the Government will ensure his safety when he returns from his tour of America,” said Ababu.

Thoroughly investigated

Raila is in the USA at the African Presidential Centre at Boston University for a two-month academic programme. The programme is tailored for former top African leaders. Ababu stated that the matter should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

The allegations renewed calls for more security for Raila and his co-CORD principal Kalonzo Musyoka who, Ababu stressed, have served Kenya splendidly.

Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir echoed Ababu’s sentiments, saying the matter should not be taken lightly. “Where there is smoke, there is fire.

There were rumours of death about Tom Mboya, Gama Pinto, JM Kariuki and other victims of political assassinations before they were assassinated. The matter should be thoroughly investigated,” Shabbir said.