Raila opposes move to change Date of General Election

NAIROBI: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is opposed to a bid to change the date of the General Election from August to December. Although the Kenya Constitution Amendment Bill, which seeks the extension of the election date has been sponsored by Raila’s own Opposition MP David Ochieng, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader accused some MPs of attempting to amend the law for their own selfish gain. “There is no logic in extending the election date. These MPs want four additional months to continue earning fat salaries,” said Raila. He explained that “the August date was agreed after lengthy discussions. The authors of the Constitution did not settle on the December date because it is a holiday month loaded with many activities.” Raila said Jubilee is likely to hijack the process to extend the term of President Uhuru Kenyatta. Extending term See also: CORD faults Govt plan to reduce 2009 census figures in Northern Kenya He stated that the fact that the bill has originated from an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator does not mean it has the backing of the party. But separately, Mr Ochieng said the bill is not driven by the MPs’ desire to stay longer in office. “This bill is not about extending the term of Parliament. If anything, I am more than a hundred per cent sure of being re-elected as MP for Ugenya based on my development record,” he said, arguing that conducting elections in August will, among other things, interfere with the school calendar. At the same time, Raila faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta for rejecting MPs’ proposals to sack the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) secretariat, claiming the EACC officials helped to scrap the names of some corrupt officials from the List of Shame. Raila further took issue with Parliament for clearing Deputy President William Ruto in the ‘Hustler jet’ probe, claiming the Speaker of the National Assembly and some MPs were compromised. He was speaking during a morning talk show at a local radio station. GO TO PAGE 1 2 Next » Share this story: Do you have something to add to this story? Comment here. Politics Petitioners ask Senate to order freezing of funds to county Kanu, URP leaders to meet at fundraiser Comment Policy
Read more at: http://standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000171925&story_title=Kenya-raila-opposes-bid-to-change-date-of-general-election

The former premier visits Siaya County Friday amidst heightened political temperatures occasioned by pro and anti-Cornel Rasanga (Siaya Governor) campaigns. Raila is expected to separately meet local MPs to end the public spat between Governor Rasanga and Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, as well as restore relations between the legislator and his brother Oburu Oginga.
Read more at: http://standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000171925&story_title=raila-odinga-opposes-bid-to-change-date-of-general-election&pageNo=2