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ODM leaders speak at MP’s
funeral
Story by NATION Correspondent
9. Feb. 2008
ODM leaders have said they will seek their supporters’ consent
before striking a deal in the Kofi Annan led mediation talks.
The leaders were speaking during the burial of Ainamoi MP David
Kimutai Too, who was shot by a traffic policeman in what the
police described as a ‘love triangle.’
Parliament Speaker Kenneth Marende asked the police to investigate
the death of the legislator, or else the public would lose
confidence in them.
ODM was represented by over 40 MPs and House Speaker Kenneth
Marende. None of the legislators from the Government side or
official of the provincial administration attended the burial.
Muhoroni MP Prof Ayiecho Olweny, said the fact that the Police
Commissioner had termed the MP’s killing as crime of passion was
an indication of the unwillingness by the government to go deeper
in to the matter, maintaining that his death was politically
motivated.
Leaders present at the burial also called for the removal of some
senior police officers from Kericho district who they accused of
having killed over 70 people in the post election skirmishes.
Sotik MP Lorna Laboso and her Belgut counterpart Charles Keter
said the killing of two MPs allied to the party had made their
unity stronger.
Prof Nyong’o reiterated ODM’s call for the formation of a
transitional government as part of resolving the political impasse,
even though the negotiations process was moving on smoothly.
Party leaders Raila Odinga and Anyang’ Nyong’o were categorical
that ODM would not accept a solution to the current political
impasse which did not address the controversial outcome of the
General elections.
Mr Odinga said ODM would not accept a position that would betray
the wishes of its supporters, adding that they will find a way of
seeking their supporters mandate before putting pen to paper.
“We will not accept a solution that betrays trust bestowed upon
us. Part of the solution would be to address the past injustices
including the stolen elections,” Mr Odinga said. He warned that
the failing to address the issue of vote rigging would lead to
voter apathy.
He said maintaining tough stand in the negations process would be
a betrayal to Kenyans adding that all hopes were now pegged on the
Kofi Annan lead process, saying the former UN Boss had the
interest of Kenyans at heart.
Mvita MP Najib Balala and Mr Ruto said that the comprehensive land
reforms package that had been mooted by the party was meant to
avert some of the chaos that had rocked the country.
Mr Ruto said that the crisis today should be used be used as an
opportunity to make constitutional ammendments to address some of
the issues masked under politics which made people turn against
their neighbours, arguing that it was because of the skewed
sharing of the resources.
Prof Nyongo accused the government of discrimination in
development projects, saying that the Western Kenya region had
been neglected, adding that the road network in the region was a
clear indication.
South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara accused the police of having
supervised the skirmishes rocking the Borabu/Bomet border. He
urged the Kipsigis and the Gisii communities to live in peace,
saying that as neighbours, they stood to gain more from living in
harmony.
The service was conducted by Bishop Emmanuel Okombo who made a
plea for peace.
The late Too is survived by his wife Linah and two Children John
Paul Kipkemoi and Kipchirchir.
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