- Raila Odinga has opposed the ‘former Prime Minister,’ insisting that since Kenya has no prime minister at the moment, he still remains with the title
- Speaking at the 42nd annual conference (first edition) organized by the Kenya Public Accounting Institute (ICPAK) in Mombasa on Tuesday, May 20, Raila called for the cancellation of the Treasury of Parliamentary Development (CDF)
- Although the 2010 Constitution withdrew the post of prime minister, Raila’s period in the position remains historic in Kenyan politics
Mombasa: ODM party leader, Raila Odingahe attended the 42nd annual seminar (first edition) organized by the Kenya Registered Accounting Institute (ICPAK) on Tuesday, May 20.
Raila Odinga has warned Kenyans against calling him a ‘former prime minister’.
Source: Twitter
The seminar focused on focusing on the important role of accountants in promoting transparency, accountability, and financial leadership.
Speaking at the event, Raila stressed that professionals in the financial sector are the axis of good governance and sustainable development.
Why did Raila refuse to be called ‘former prime minister’?
However, when he was introduced as ‘former prime minister’, Raila opposed the title was incorrect.
“There is no old one because there is no present. So I am still the Prime Minister – the second prime minister – and it remains so,” He said, attracting applause and laughter from the audience.
Raila calls for a complete removal of CDF
The ODM leader reiterated its opposition to the CDF, claiming that the fund was undermining the management and law of parliament and councilors.
“The CDF should be canceled. Let governors the issue of Bursari, MPs and councilors do their constitutional duties. Do the public involvement you want, but by the referendum you will fail,” He warned fiercely.
Raila defends ODM’s contribution to the Ruto government
He added that ODM is not in government, but provided experts to help run the government.
“ODM is not in government. We have just provided experts to help the government. Give them time, you will see for yourself the ability of ODM,” He said with confidence.
How Raila got the rank of Prime Minister
Raila climbed to the prime minister in 2008 following the 2007 complex elections.
The election brought together the president of the time, the deceased Mwai Kibaki of the PNU party, against Raila who waved the ODM flag.
Source: Facebook
Although the ODM won many seats in parliament and the first calculations showed Raila ahead, delay in the outcome and a sudden change of outcome gave Kibaki victory – something that led to a major political crisis and post -election fighting.
More than 1,000 people lost their lives and more than 600,000 were displaced.
In an effort to save the nation, the reconciliation led by former UN Secretary -General Kofi Annan and AU Chairman Jakaya Kikwete reached a peace agreement in February 2008.
The agreement formed the National Union Government and the position of Prime Minister, which Raila was appointed to hold on April 17, 2008.
In that position, Raila was given the responsibility to bring the nation back to the line of stability and to lead the institutional reform.
However, divisions within the Union government continued, with Raila repeatedly complaining of ODM deprived of government influence.
Despite the challenges, the two leaders united and supported the adoption of the New Constitution in 2010, which brought about major administrative changes, including the role of division.
The prime minister’s position was officially removed under the new constitutional arrangement, but Raila’s period in the position remains unique in Kenya’s history.
Did the ODM form a union with UDA?
At the same time, Raila explained that his party was not in the political coalition and the government of Ruto of UDA.
He said their cooperation is based on a formal agreement (MoU), not a contract to share power.
Citing the US presidential system, Raila explained that appointing people from the opposition is not the same as forming a coalition.
He emphasized that the Kenyan administration involves Parliament for management, government for policy implementation, and courts in interpretation of the law.
Raila vehemently denied the ongoing blame, saying the cooperation was strategic on important national issues and not political.
His statements are in line with the position of the ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
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