Raila, Kalonzo team keeps off national event

Cord leaders Raila Odinga (center), Kalonzo Musyoka (Left) and Moses Wetangula (right) gave Madaraka Day celebrations a wide birth. 

By LUCAS BARASA lbarassa@ke.nationmedia.com
Saturday, June 1  2013

 

In Summary

• One of Mr Odinga’s aides who did not want to be named as he is not authorised to speak on behalf of the Cord leader told the Nation: “My boss could not attend as he was not invited.”

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leaders Saturday gave Madaraka Day celebrations a wide birth.

Retired Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi did not also attend the celebrations to mark 50 years of Kenya’s self-rule despite playing a major role in Kenya’ growth.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Bungoma senator Moses Wetang’ula skipped the celebrations at Nyayo stadium, Nairobi.

One of Mr Odinga’s aides who did not want to be named as he is not authorised to speak on behalf of the Cord leader told the Nation: “My boss could not attend as he was not invited.”

“We had expected that since this is a major celebration to mark 50 years of self-rule, my boss, other Cord leaders, former President Moi and other regional leaders would be invited just as former President Kibaki graced Uganda’s celebrations recently. I think the current administration is overwhelmed,” the aide said.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero who was elected on an ODM ticket was the top most Cord leader who attended the fete. Dr Kidero was the last to speak before inviting Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.

The PM’s aide said “a nation turning 50 is not a small thing both regional and national leaders should have been invited.”

“The leaders could not just attended celebrations as they could be embarassed with protocol guys, saying they were not expected,” he added.

Mr Odinga spend his day at his Nairobi home, at times tweeting as the Madaraka Day celebrations continued.
A number of Cord leaders including governors, sentaors and MPs, however, attended the celebrations in various parts of the country.
Mr Odinga’s group also missed President Kenyatta’s inauguration ceremony in April and May 1, Labour Day.

Yesterday was President Kenyatta’s first Madaraka Day since he took office after the March 4 elections. June 1 is the day when Kenya attained self-rule. Fifty years ago today, Kenya ushered in an era of self-rule after decades of colonial self-rule.

As Mzee Jomo Kenyatta stood up at Uhuru Park to receive instruments power, the country erupted in song and dance.