Raila Odinga: I'm nobody’s project, I'm my own man

ODM leader Raila Odinga in Nyeri after attending the burial of the mother to deputy governor Caroline Karugu at Chaka. 

 

ODM leader Raila Odinga, has dismissed any claims that he is a State project noting he had made his own way in the political arena.

 

Raila was speaking during the funeral of Dr Caroline Karugu's mother Jacinta Karugu, at Chaka Grounds in Nyeri County when he stated that he was not President Uhuru Kenyatta’s project.

“I am not anyone's project I am Raila Odinga. They said I couldn't climb the mountain and I am doing it and I will keep doing it till I make it to the highest peak of Lenana,” he said.

The Opposition chief also waded into Nyeri county affairs where he told off Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for his strained relationship with his deputy.

“Don't disrespect our women, they must be respected. They pay taxes and work just like the men and should be paid their dues,” he said.

Raila called out Kahiga for his recent remarks dismissing the ODM leader about his penchant to give historical accounts of Kenya,

“I want to tell your governor who has left, that we must talk about history. Because he is the one who says we should not talk about history,” he said. 

He reminded Kahiga that without history the people will not know where they are going and where they have come from. Kahiga had extended an olive branch to his deputy calling for truce over their current standoff.  Karugu has moved to the Employment and Labour Relations Court Karugu to compel her boss to release her salary amounting to Sh15m withheld since their fallout in November 2019.

"Those who quarrel are the only ones who can make up. I extend my condolences and ask you, Carol, let us forgive each other and forget the past," he said. 

He said they should move forward as colleagues as they have been cordial relationships between them. 

"My door and heart is open for reconciliation so we can work together for the sake of the future and development of the county," he said.

But Karugu steered clear of acknowledging the gesture from Kahiga and instead focused on eulogising her mother as her teacher and life guide.

"My mother taught me to respect my elders and asked me to allow for the governor have his time in office and wait for my time. In the same way it is now Baba’s (Raila) time and Ruto should wait for his time,” she stated.