Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga pays a courtesy call on Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero/COURTESY
After the meeting, the CORD leader told reporters that he urged Kidero to continue working closely with the Central Government.
Odinga also assured of his resolve to foster peace in the country.
“I have said that Kidero should be left to do his work. Kidero was chosen through the CORD coalition; he is our Governor and we have complete confidence in him. We want him to be given the chance and opportunity to do his job,” he stated. “We may have our own internal issues but we will resolve those internally without airing them out in the public. That is how we should conduct our affairs,” he said.
The former Prime Minister also denied insulting President Uhuru Kenyatta and insists his Saba Saba rallies will go on in the interest of peace in the country.
“I have not threatened anyone. If you see you neighbour being shaved, the wise men of old said that you should also start applying water to your own head. If you do not do that, you will be shaved dry. Before Saba Saba, we shall sit down and talk together with the Government and my brother President Uhuru Kenyatta and his people. There is no one who has insulted him… we do not insult anyone, we always engage in a civil manner,” he indicated.
Wednesday’s meeting with Kidero came barely two weeks after the Nairobi Governor was heckled at a CORD rally at Uhuru Park.
Kidero is perceived by CORD supporters as being close to the ruling Jubilee coalition which he has vowed to continue supporting “because he is a leader for all Kenyans.”
He is battling to retain his seat as Nairobi Governor after the Court of Appeal nullified his election before he was temporarily reinstated by the Supreme Court, pending determination of his appeal.
During the meeting with the Governor, the former Prime Minister also met with members of the Executive Committee and the County Assembly Speaker.
“This was a courtesy call where we came to greet the Governor and his people. I have met with him personally and his Executive team. I have also met with the Speaker of the County Assembly Alex ole Magelo. This was my first time here and I am satisfied with what I have seen here,” he said.
He explained that they talked about development issues within the city which include roads, education, health, water, garbage collection, employment and the living standards of Nairobians in general.
“The government has the responsibility of serving Kenyans. We have a Constitution which has divided work between the National Government and the County Government. It says that these two governments are different but they must cooperate. So this means that the National Government should respect the County Governments,” he said.
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