By Sharon Shaatra Muzaki Namono
Raila Odinga in a recent meeting with US ambassador Robert Godec
NAIROBI-Western donors have called on Kenyan opposition stalwart Raila Odinga not to abandon the race for State House. Recently after keeping the whole country guessing, Odinga withdrew from the elections slated for October 26. Citing a number of irregularities, Raila Odinga says, his participation will amount to endorsing what is already a fraudulent election.
Mr. Odinga together with his running mate Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew from the race claiming the electoral Agency in the country had not responded to their call for substantial reforms.
The donors who have historically backed his positions on Kenyan politics want the National Super Alliance leader to face his Uhuru Kenyatta at polls again. Their main concern is that the absence of Odinga would create tensions especially in NASA strongholds.
Raila Odinga has repeatedly stated that after the annulment of the previous elections, the current Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is not suitable to organize a fresh election. He has presented a list of demands that have not been met.
Meanwhile his opponent Uhuru Kenyatta has welcomed his withdrawal, saying it is an act of democracy.
“He should know that Kenyans have a right to choose their leaders”, Kenyatta said in response to the news that Odinga would not stand.
He however criticized him for wasting tax payers money, stating that more than KShs 12billion has been spent to organize for the repeat poll.
