Raila urges Uhuru to reshuffle government

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has advised President Uhuru Kenyatta to execute a major reshuffle of his government, saying it is time the Head of State did away with those standing in his way.

Mr Odinga defended Mr Kenyatta’s role in the challenges facing the Jubilee administration, while putting the blame on Deputy President William Ruto.

The ODM party leader was speaking during an interview with Meru-based radio station, Thiiri FM, on Wednesday morning. He said that while the President was doing everything to make things work, Dr Ruto was busy fighting the government.

“The Jubilee government has problems because of the divisions. Even when EACC, DCI and DPP arrest suspects, MPs allied to Jubilee make a lot of noise. This cannot be blamed on the opposition. The corruption is a problem of Jubilee and not the opposition,” he said.

Mr Odinga added: “The President is doing a lot to ensure things work out but he is being opposed. The house is divided, with groups pulling in different directions. If I were President Uhuru Kenyatta, I would say 'enough is enough' … He should make changes in his government, otherwise I am afraid nothing much will come from this administration in the next one-and-a-half years. This is dangerous for our economy.”

While maintaining his effort to discredit DP Ruto’s hustler narrative, Mr Odinga said he was still in the opposition and his only pact with Jubilee government was the handshake and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

“We are still in the opposition and MPs elected under ODM keep the government in check. I also advise the President when I see something going wrong,” Mr Odinga said.

Mr Odinga's sentiments come days after Senate Minority Leader James Orengo also called on President Kenyatta to reorganise his government so as to save his legacy. He said the current Cabinet is pulling in different directions and may hinder implementation of the Big Four Agenda.

At the same time, Mr Odinga recanted his earlier remarks that the Mt Kenya region owes him for his father’s support of Jomo Kenyatta 57 years ago. He explained that he has nothing against the region, noting that he has closely worked with Mt Kenya leaders, including Charles Rubia, Paul Muite and Mwai Kibaki.

“I do not owe the Mt Kenya people; maybe they owe me. But I am not demanding any payment,” he said.