{UAH} Standard Digital News - Kenya : Questions arise over Evans Kidero loyalty to Raila Odinga, and ODM

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000092982&story_title=speculation-over-kidero-s-loyalty-to-raila-and-odm

Standard Digital News - Kenya : Questions arise over Evans Kidero loyalty to Raila Odinga, and ODM

By PROTUS ONYANGO

It is apparent that Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has his eyes on a bigger political role, but he is not sitting pretty as speculation rages over his loyalty to ODM.

The speculation is understood to be fueled by a strong clique close to Raila, but which doesn't want to openly state their case against Kidero.

The governor has now come out to defend himself and put the record straight on his relationship with former Prime MinisterRaila Odinga, whom he calls at least four times every week for consultations.

Kidero also reveals that Raila was aware of his plans to travel to China with PresidentUhuru Kenyatta.

Kidero, who has already declared that he wants to be the chairman of ODM, argues that he cannot play politics with the management of a town that controls 60 per cent of Kenya's economy. He said no development would be realised if everyone continued to 'drink, eat and sleep politics'.

Nairobi County Governor Evans Kidero has come out to defend himself as speculation continues to rage over his loyalty to ODMand former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Dr Kidero took a swipe at detractors fuelling the speculation and described them as 'myopic'.

He said no progress would be realised if we 'drink, eat and sleep politics'. Other leaders who spoke in defence of Kidero's style said those unhappy with him are those "who have never achieved anything and can't make a statement without invoking Raila's name".

The governor has recently been under attack for deliberately shunning party activities and courses, fuelling speculation that he had shifted his loyalty from ODM.

Some ODM leaders have been hinting that Kidero was scheming to secure a top seat in the party at the expense of ODM founder and party leader Raila Odinga. While rejecting these claims, Kidero explained he enjoys a cordial relationship with the former Prime Minister.  

Kidero told his critics he could not afford to eat, drink and sleep' politics at the expense of his county.

On relations with Raila, he explained; "I consult Raila frequently because he is the one who did the plan for the road network when he was Roads minister. He knew about my trip to China."

Some ODM supporters have been accusing Kidero of leaning towards Jubilee while snubbing Raila functions.

Kidero was absent from the US tour for all CORD governors organised by Raila, which was attended by 12 governors.

Political ambitions

While Raila and the 12 CORD governors were in the US, Kidero led a team of his officers to State House to meet PresidentUhuru Kenyatta.

Kidero maintained he has not ditched CORD, saying he cannot play politics with an office that controls 60 per cent of the country's economy.

He conceded he had higher political ambitions and indicated he was going to vie for the post of ODM chairmanship when elections are held.

 "My supporters have asked me to vie for chairmanship of ODM and after consultations, I have decided to go for it. I desire for prudent management of parties where those elected have matching skills," Kidero said.

 He made the announcement recently when he was the guest of honour during the homecoming party for Vihiga County Senator George Khaniri. During the event also attended by Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi, senators Anyang' Nyong'o, Hassan Omar and Boni Khalwale, Kidero called on Mudavadi to come back to ODM.

"I have attended this event to thank the Luhya people who overwhelmingly voted for me and call on all leaders to work together to make Kenya better," Kidero said.

No reason

He explained those questioning his loyalty for working with Jubilee did not understand the duties of his office saying: "I was elected by all communities and I must work across all political parties, races and religions."

The governor said he did politics during campaigns and sees no reason to perpetually engage in politics instead of delivering the promises he made to the people.

"Nairobi residents need water, employment, security and other services. I need to plan and engage with the national government and donors to fund these projects," he said.

He added: "We need drugs in our hospitals and to manage traffic as well as empower the youth and women. This cannot be achieved if we drink, eat and sleep politics. We need to give water to people in informal settlements who pay more for water than what we charge."

He explained his association with the president is based on law as enshrined in the Constitution.

"I am mandated by law to meet the president to discuss how to share costs of the national and county governments," Kidero said.

He said the Constitution mandates him to meet with the president four times a year.

Special County

He said his meetings with the president should be seen in the light of providing services to Nairobi residents and not politics.

Kidero said Nairobi is a special county as it is the seat of the national and county governments.

"Nairobi is unique and hosts UN bodies that have been elevated to the level of New York, Vienna and Geneva. Our infrastructure and security needs are special and we must consult with the national government to deliver," he said.

The governor said a leader changes the lives of people by bettering their lives through economic development.

"I want to see a Nairobi where all children get university education and compete on the same platform for jobs. I do not want to engage in politics and let children die of preventable diseases like malaria or worm infestations," Kidero said.

Cavince Owidi, former Kasipul Kabondo MP, supports Kidero.

"The governor's relationship with President Uhuru is necessary. Anybody opposing it does not understand his office or is being dishonest," Owidi said.

During Kidero's homecoming party at Asumbi in Homa Bay County, Oluoch Kanindo, a former Rongo MP urged Kidero to work together with President Uhuru.

"You and President Uhuru share some characteristics. Both of you were elected by all communities. Do not antagonise Uhuru or Raila. Both of them are critical in your delivery of services," Kanindo said.

Cold shoulder

He dismissed those accusing Kidero of giving ODM a cold shoulder as opportunists.

"Do not listen to the noisemakers. Some of them are people who cannot do anything without invoking Raila's name.

Some of them were ministers who could have registered more people or solved land issues," Mr Kanindo said.

Kidero accompanied President Uhuru toChina and secured Sh87 billion funding for various development projects for Nairobi County in housing and infrastructure.

He said he has also met the German and Japanese government representatives to source for funding.

"I recently met the USA and British ambassadors and they have agreed to fund automation of our services and help us procure drugs for our health facilities," Kidero said.

The governor, however, faulted the current formula for revenue allocation, saying it might not spur development in the country.

"I support the call for a referendum to increase allocation to the counties because the current formula based on area size, population and poverty rates is fundamentally flawed," Kidero said.

The governor noted that most of the money given to the counties is used for paying salaries leaving negligible amounts for development.

"In Nairobi, Sh6.4 billion out of the Sh9.7 billion will be used to pay workers who were seconded to us by the national government," Kidero said.

He added, "To improve service delivery to the people, we need to review the allocation. For me it is not the percentage but I suggest that the revenue shared out should not include the money meant for salaries and recurrent expenditure."

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Standard Digital News - Kenya : Questions arise over Evans Kidero loyalty to Raila Odinga, and ODM
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000092982&story_title=speculation-over-kidero-s-loyalty-to-raila-and-odm