Raila US tour raises eyebrows in Parliament

The People

CORD leader Raila Odinga’s trip to the US is already raising eyebrows with Parliament set to debate the reasons behind the invite because he is not a former Head of State. Kirinyaga Central MP David Gitari is today set to request for a statement from the Leader of Majority as to why Raila was invited for a programme meant for former democratically-elected Heads of State.

The MP sees it as an affront by the US to destabilise the government under the guise of the university invitation. Diplomatic relationships between the Jubilee administration and the Western powers, including the US, have not been cordial and Raila’s invite is seen by the supporters of the ruling coalition as a statement intended to send a message. Gitari further wants Majority Leader Aden Duale to confirm whether Raila has formally retired from elective politics by attending an event meant for Heads of State and not governments.

He said if so, Raila should be restricted from participating in active politics or holding a political office now and in future. Gitari said Duale should explain in his statement the status that qualified Raila to attend the Boston University-based residency programme being an agenda for former democratically-elected Raila is currently attending a political programme at Boston University for former African political leaders where it is a conditional that they do not get actively involved in politics while studying.

He is expected to give a speech to the forum tomorrow together with former Tanzania Prime Minister Fredrick Sumaye for a session dubbed, Conversation with Prime Ministers. Before departing for the month-long tour, Raila said that Boston University invited him to the US to attend the programme for former African leaders of which he is one of them. “This is a fantastic opportunity to meet world leaders, tour the US and strengthen relations between Kenya and the US,” Raila said before departing for Boston.

It allows former leaders a residency of up to two years. During their tenure, the former Heads of State speak about African political and economic development at venues throughout the United States. The current tour is the third one by Raila since losing in the last General Election. He has on two occasions led delegations of Cord governors on fact-fining mission in the US.

Raila has in the past vehemently opposed government’s condition that he could only be accorded pension if he retired from active politics. Raila said he was determined to serving Kenyans and will not allow anybody to use pension as a weapon to silence him. “I admit I have served this country to the extent that I deserve pension, but I cannot quit politics because of the conditions the government has imposed on me,” he said recently.