Kipchumba Some And Alphonce Shiundu
3 October 2008
Nairobi — The political battle between Prime Minister Raila Odinga and some Rift Valley MPs was rekindled on Friday when the ODM boss warned the leaders to stop divisive politics.
Mr Odinga's warning came as debate raged over the relationship between ODM and smaller parties which supported it in the last general elections.
For some, the small parties including Water minister Charity Ngilu's Narc and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) -- which has been fielding candidates in by-elections in the Rift Valley -- should disband and join the main party.
For others, the parties should continue existing independently and continue cooperating with ODM.
On Friday, Mr Odinga challenged politicians to focus on uniting the public on development issues instead of preaching tribal politics.
"We have much work to do," he said, and regretted that the leaders preaching tribalism were "very educated". He asked: "Why do I hear some leaders mumble aloud that directors of a national parastatal should come from their community?"
Mr Odinga spoke during the Catholic University's graduation ceremony in his Langata constituency.
Mr Odinga has lately been facing opposition from politicians mainly from the South Rift who have been grumbling over job appointments in the coalition government.
The recent by-elections following the death of former Roads minister Kipkalia Kones (Bomet) and assistant minister Lorna Laboso (Sotik) heightened the dissent with some ODM leaders opposing their own party.
However, ODM emerged victorious with Mr Kones's widow Beatrice taking Bomet and Lorna's sister Dr Joyce Laboso taking Sotik.
And on Friday, the PM revisited the subject calling on leaders to stop what he called the culture of "our people".
Mr Odinga told politicians that their continued divisive stance amounted to poisoning the young generation who should form the pillars of a united country.
Mr Odinga also talked of "chauvinistic and parochial" politics that could make it difficult for the country to recover from the political crisis experienced early this year.
"Did we realise that the violence nearly tore our country along ethnic lines?" he asked. Mr Odinga said the lessons learnt should be used to improve and plan for the future.
On the future of ODM affiliates, some MPs say the smaller parties were becoming a thorn in the flesh of their party. According to the lawmakers, the parties were undermining ODM unity by confusing the electorate about the nature of their relationship with the principal.
"We have to review our association with these so-called affiliates as a matter of urgency," said nominated MP Musa Sirma.
"They are causing a lot of confusion and fomenting disunity within ODM. The only solution is to either incorporate them fully or kick them out altogether," he said.
But in a swift rejoinder, Mrs Ngilu said she is not about to give up her party.
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