RAILA GAINS SUPPORT AGAINST RIFT VALLEY REBELS

DAILY NATION
By SAMMY CHEBOI,
December 2 2009
Orange Democratic Movement members who have issues with the party leadership should seek internal channels to raise them, a group of MPs have said.

Internal party disputes can adequately be resolved through party organs such as Parliamentary Group and National Executive Council and and not through public rallies, said the legislators.

Addressing a press conference at Parliament buildings Wednesday, the group said in a democratic society those wishing to leave the party were free to do so without rocking the party.

In a statement read by Assistant minister Calist Mwatela, the MPs threw their weight behind Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has come under criticism from a section of party MPs over the Mau forest evictions.

“Statements have been made questioning the authority and credentials of the leader of our party, Mr Raila Odinga.

"We particularly want to express support for the Prime Minister in his bid to save the country from the disaster of environmental degradation and restore our water towers,” read the statement in part.

The MPs’ call comes in the wake of criticism directed at Mr Odinga by Rift Valley MPs led by Agriculture minister William Ruto. The MPs accuse the PM for pressing on with the Mau evictions despite inflicting human suffering on squatters.

The MPs came to Mr Odinga’s defence, saying that what he was doing was a national duty and not a party assignment.

“We commend the PM for sticking to this agenda (restoration of Mau) which is no longer a party issue but clearly a national agenda,” said the MPs.

Mr Mwatela said Kenya is a democratic country and those who feel they can form their own parties should do so freely. His comments appear to answer speculations that Mr Ruto would abandon the party in favour of a mooted alliance involving Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.

During last week’s fundraiser for Mau evictees held in Nairobi, MPs dissatisfied with Mr Odinga’s handling of the Mau evictions hinted that a political alliance was being considered.

But the MPs at Wednesday's press conference, who also included PNU’s Kabando wa Kabando (Mukurweini), said ODM’s manifesto promises to restore water towers.

“In our campaign manifesto we promised Kenyans that we will combat escalating environmental desertification and degradation by ensuring that environmental protection is built into every economic decision in all areas of government policy,” said the statement.

They said the planned party retreat in Mombasa would discuss constitutional review and not wrangles in the party brought by Mau evictions.