I am now the official opposition leader, declares Wetang’ula

Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula has once again slammed ODM chief Raila Odinga for "abandoning the opposition to join the Jubilee government”.

Speaking at Kegonga Town in Kuria East in Migori County during the homecoming ceremony of Nyabasi East MCA Mwita Motangi (Ford Kenya) on Saturday, Mr Wetang’ula declared that he is now the official opposition leader.

"ODM and Wiper Party have crossed over to the government after my brothers Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila joined Jubilee. I am the only Nasa principal committed to opposition," said Mr Wetang’ula.

BETRAYED PRINCIPALS

Mr Wetang’ula maintained that Mr Odinga betrayed the other principals in the coalition when he agreed to have a political truce with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"My brother Raila betrayed us. He went secretly to State House and cut a deal with President Kenyatta. He did not even have the courtesy of letting one of us know. Do you trust such a person?" said Mr Wetang’ula.

The Bungoma Senator maintained that while he supports the political agreement between the President and Mr Odinga, he took issue with how it was initiated.

"We do not oppose the handshake but it should include all Kenyans and not just a few individuals,"

He further said that Ford Kenya will seek to chart its own political direction in the run up to the 2022 General Election.

SELFISH GAINS

"Ford Kenya will be in the race to capture the presidency come 2022. We will not be working with people who are hell-bent on betraying us for their own selfish gains," added Mr Wetang’ula.

Kitutu Chache South MP Mr Richard Onyonka, who accompanied the Bungoma Senator, said that the Opposition should not be allowed to fizzle out because of the handshake.

"We need a strong Opposition to check the excesses of the government. We cannot allow the Jubilee government to swallow all the Nasa affiliate parties. Ford Kenya will be a formidable Opposition outfit moving forward," said Mr Onyonka.

Kuria East MP Marwa Maisori Kitayama, who also attended the function, said that the handshake should not be used to destabilise Jubilee succession plan and revive the political ambitions of "some individuals".

WAR ON CORRUPTION

"We know that President Kenyatta’s term ends in 2022 and thereafter DP William Ruto takes over. This should not change even with the handshake. We are solidly behind the DP," said Mr Kitayama.

Mr Wetang’ula said that the war on corruption should not stop at "people being taken to court only".

"We need to see people behind bars and the money they stole being recovered. That is when we will know we are winning the war, " added Mr Wetang’ula.