We are best of friends, say Raila and Kidero

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) with Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in Kisumu on Saturday. Photo/FILE 

In Summary

• They said the perceived sour relations between them were a creation of the media
• Cord leader defends Nairobi Governor

By DENNIS ODUNGA
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Cord leaders on Saturday dismissed talk of a rift between Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, terming them as malicious.

They said the perceived sour relations between the two leaders were “a creation of the media who are out to propel the agenda of people with the intention of dividing Cord.”

Speaking at the homecoming ceremony of Kisumu County’s Kaloleni Ward Representative, Ms Prisca Misachi, Mr Odinga said the allegations that Mr Kidero never received him at the Governor’s Ball hosted on the eve of the Jubilee celebrations were false.

“I was received from my car by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. He handed me over to Kidero who ushered me to the high table where a seat had been reserved,” Mr Odinga explained.

The Cord leader said that the purported differences between him and Governor Kidero have never existed, adding that he fronted  the former Mumias  Sugar chief executive to run for the  Nairobi seat because if its strategic importance.

Instead, the former premier said falsehoods were being escalated as part of a scheme to weaken the representation of the coalition, which currently has governors taking care of 24 counties of the 47 devolved units in the country.

“Kenyans know me; when I have a problem, I speak my mind. I do not walk away in protest like cowards do,” he said.

Mr Odinga also said that the rumour that Mr Kidero was working with the Jubilee government against Cord is misplaced.

“Kidero, just like any other governor, must work with the government of the day in order to achieve development for Nairobi County; that has nothing to do with his loyalties to me or the ODM party,” Mr Odinga said.

Governor Kidero, who was also present at the fete, stated that his relationship with Mr Odinga cannot be shaken by forces out to scuttle the fruits of devolution.

He recounted instances where Mr Odinga had come to his help, stating that the enemies of progress and Luo unity were behind the negative impressions.

BENEFACTOR

“The development we now see in the regions is because of Raila’s fight for devolution of resources. How can I fight with the creator of the position I am currently enjoying?” he posed.

He further explained that Mr Odinga had come to his aid when he was at the helm of the troubled Mumias Sugar Company.

“We must caution our people not to be swayed by media fallacies in their attempts to divide Kenyans. Raila has been the one behind the call for me and other governors to work with the Jubilee,” said Mr Kidero.

The Governor asked the media to let Kenyans judge issues in the public domain on their own instead of propagating malicious propaganda.

The two leaders, who had held a meeting at the town earlier in the day, condemned attempts by various factions out to divide them. Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, who was also present, called for unity among the leaders for the country to prosper.

“We must be cautious of attempts by our competitors to create disunity among us; divisive politics is not good at this time,” he said.

Several MPs present at the forum called on Kenyans to work together towards ending insecurity, among other challenges.