By IRENE GITHINJI @gitshee
Cord leader Raila Odinga yesterday reached out to Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, in what is seen as an effort to woo him back ahead of a planned Cord rally in Migori tomorrow. In a surprise move, Raila called on Kidero at his City Hall office, accompanied by a group of Cord MPs and held talks with the governor before addressing the media.
A rift had been simmering for several months between Raila and Kidero, as the latter was seen to carve out a political niche for himself in the southern Nyanza region, that falls in the larger Nyanza stronghold where Raila is the political kingpin. Kidero has drawn criticism from some ODM MPs for conducting himself as the “Governor for Nyanza”, by conducting a string of highly publicised fundraisers in the region, seen as tailored to overshadow Raila.
Kidero, who has not hidden his close camaraderie with President Uhuru Kenyatta, was booed out of the dais over a week ago at Uhuru Park during a rally to welcome Raila back from the United States. And last Saturday, Raila failed to attend a funeral service for Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno’s daughter at Rongo, where Kidero and President Uhuru were present, reportedly fearing a hostile reception. But yesterday, Raila displayed change of style in dealing with Kidero as he warmed up to him and reassured him Cord would back his bid in a by-election in case the Supreme Court upheld his petition loss.
Insiders in Cord said, with Raila expected in Migori tomorrow, it would be important for Kidero to attend the rally in an area where the governor has gained political influence. After meeting for about three-hours, Raila and Kidero emerged to address the media and members of the public, with the former Prime Minister affirming full support for the Governor whom he said has been discharging his mandate well. “Kidero should do his work to his level best, he was elected into office through Cord and we have full confidence in him. There may be some in-house issues, but that does not mean work will not go on,” said Raila.
Raila was accompanied by Cord MPs including T.J Kajwang (Ruaraka), Mohammed Junet (Suna East), Mpuri Aburi (Tigania East) and Kisumu Senators Anyang’ Nyong’o. The Cord leader also met Members of County Assembly (MCA) and members of Kidero’s county executive team. Kidero said they had a fruitful discussion on issues affecting Nairobi residents and was optimistic that challenges affecting Nairobi would be addressed. “We are glad that Raila found time to visit us this morning and we talked about a number of issues, especially those that are development-related and how the County government should address the needs of the people,” said Kidero.
Raila said he had confidence in the governor and urged him to work with the National Government for the sake of Nairobi residents. Kidero had all along insisted he would work with the national government. Raila also denied insulting President Uhuru and insisted the Cord rallies would go on in the interest of peace in the country. “I have not threatened anyone. If you see your neighbour being shaved, the wise men of old said that you should also start applying water to your own head.
If you do not do that, you will be shaved dry,” he said. He added: “Before Saba Saba (July 7), we shall sit down and talk together with the government and my brother President Uhuru Kenyatta and his people. There is no one who has insulted him… we do not insult anyone, we always engage in a civil manner,” he indicated. Raila said the dialogue message had been misunderstood by many, but was categorical that to sit and talk would not cause any harm.
The Cord leader also said Kidero has a difficult task ahead of ensuring that key services such as education, infrastructure development, health, garbage collection and keeping the city clean were delivered. Last month, Kidero dismissed accusations levelled against him saying his relationship with the National Government was vital for development, regardless of his political inclination.
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