SIAYA, Kenya, Apr 1 – Former prime minister, Raila Odinga today led top Azimio la Umoja leaders in condemning Western diplomats for alleged double standards in the on going political impasse in the country.
Odinga accused the diplomats, especially the united States of America ambassador of looking the other way even when the government was openly out to assassinate him and other opposition leaders over their push for electoral justice and the rising cost of living.
He was speaking in Gem constituency while addressing mourners who turned up to bid farewell to the pioneer woman to be elected into parliament, the late Grace Akech Onyango.
He was flanked by Martha Karua, national assembly minority leader, Opiyo Wandayi, governor James Orengo and Siaya senator, Oburu Odinga among other members of parliament and governors.
The Azimio la Umoja leader said it was foolhardy for the diplomats to prioritise development over democracy.
“Democracy mustbe measured by the same standard globally. You cannot prioritise development at the expence of democracy” said Raila who said attempts to assassinate him will not make him abandon the quest for a just Kenya.
Narc Kenya leader, Martha Karua said their demonstrations have always been peaceful and only turn chaotic when the police and hired goons show up.
She said that no amount of intimidation will make them drop their plans and joined Raila in telling Kenyans that next Monday will see them organize the largest demonstration in the city centre.
Siaya senator, Oburu Odinga said the plot to assassinate his younger brother, Raila, had been laid bare by the deputy president who said that they will deal with the former premier once and for all.
He lamented that the donor community was privy to the alleged assassination plot but had chosen to keep quiet.
Oburu warned the government against carrying out the assassination, saying that the country will not be the same.
National Assembly minority leader, Opiyo Wandayi said it was laughable that the US ambassador was fast in condemning the attacks on the media by the police and other goons while keeping quiet over the attempts on Odinga and other Azimio la Umoja leaders.
Wandayi said that Kenyans will only take the US ambassador seriously when she openly condemns the atrocities meted out on Kenyans and their leaders without appearing to take sides.
Grace Onyango was eulogized as a woman icon who opened doors for women in the political arena.
She was first elected to Kisumu Municipal Council in 1964, as a mayor in 1965 and later, a member of parliament.
She died at the age of 96 years.
