Speaking at the ODM headquarters, CORD leader Raila Odinga also stressed that his call for KDF troops to be withdrawn from Somalia was not meant to divide Kenyans but stemmed from a sense of patriotism.
He underscored the need for the government to focus more on protecting citizens within the country as opposed to continuing with an operation which might escalate the security situation in the country.
“I am just being a patriotic Kenyan who is concerned about the loss of life which we are experiencing in the country. We are losing civilians as a result of terrorist attacks in the country and also losing our soldiers who are in Somalia as a result of al Shabaab. We are seeing coffins coming back and we are asking why,” he stated.
“It is time that a time-table was prepared for our disengagement just like the Americans did demand of their government in Iraq and also in Afghanistan. Kenyans have a right to know for how long our troops are going to remain in Somalia. Is it an indefinite operation,” he said.
Among the demands read by ODM Secretary General Anyang Nyong’o included support for increased allocations to county governments to strengthen devolution, the publishing of all public appointments and the full implementation of the TJRC report.
“Those issues of dissent are internal party matters which we discussed and they will be handled within the party organs and when the party has come to a decision, we will inform you,” the Secretary General stated.