Stop seeking cheap publicity with Eurobond talk, Jubilee MPs to Raila

Jubilee leaders have hit out Coalitions for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga for his remarks on the Eurobond deal, saying that his recent statements were aimed at economically sabotaging the county.

Ruto said allegations by opposition leaders that the proceeds of the Eurobond were misused is aimed at violating future engagements with foreign institutions that subscribed to the previous Eurobond funds.

“What they (opposition leaders) are doing is just to sabotage the economy by scaring away investors but we want to tell them that they will not succeed,” said Ruto.

Addressing the public at Garissa stadium after a tour of Garissa University College, the Deputy President said all documents relating to the Eurobond cash were readily available.

He told those questioning how the funds were used to familiarise themselves with the documents, which were available both in soft and hard copies.

“We told these leaders to go to the treasury to get the information they had asked about Eurobond but they chose to go to funerals and press conferences,” said the DP.

Seeking cheap publicity

More than 50 MPs, led by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, told off the opposition leaders accusing them of seeking cheap publicity on the Eurobond issue.

“The Opposition leaders are not sincere in what they are pursuing. They just want to sabotage the economy of this country,” said Duale.

Duale further stated that the Government’s participation in the Eurobond issue was to ensure the local interest rates were reduced.

He particularly took issue with the manner in which the Coalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga was engaging in propaganda about the Eurobond proceeds in the pretext that he would gain political mileage.

“If the former Prime Minister thinks that Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has to look for him to explain to him how the Eurobond proceeds were used, then he is misled,” said Mr. Duale.

He added: “Mr. Odinga should know that he is just like any other common mwananchi outside there.”

He told opposition leaders to present any evidence of alleged misuse of the Eurobond proceeds to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) instead of spreading lies about the issue.

“In the next ten days, Kenyans will know who between the opposition and the Government is telling them the truth,” said Duale.

Beatrice Elachi (nominated) and Ferdinand Waititu (Kabete) wondered why the Opposition was engaging in smear campaigns aimed at sabotaging the country’s economy.

“The issue of economy touches on the lives of all Kenyans and leaders must be careful in their speeches so as not utter words that can sabotage it (economy),” said Waititu.

Elachi said the former Prime Minister should first explain to Kenyans how funds allocated to the then Kazi Kwa Vijana programme were used instead of coming up with wild accusations against the Government.

“Leaders should be responsible for their utterances. As Jubilee, we accept genuine criticism but people should not criticize others just for the sake of it,” said Elachi.

The MPs said they were optimistic that the cases facing Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang would soon be terminated arguing that the cases were politically motivated.

“ICC should come to terms to the fact that Ruto and Sang are innocent people. Does it mean they were responsible for violence, which broke out spontaneously across the country? No way,” said Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati).

The harambee spirit

Governors Nathif Jama (Garissa), Godana Doyo (Isiolo) and Ali Roba (Mandera) criticized those opposing the harambee spirit.

The leaders vowed to continue participating in harambees as one way of helping the unfortunate members of the society.

“I must sincerely thank the Deputy President for his generosity and may God continue to bless him. Most of people from pastoral communities are where they are today because of the harambee spirit,” said Mr. Jama.

They urged the Deputy President to continue participating in harambees despite opposition from a section of leaders who were not concerned with the plight of the poor