It is apparent that Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has his eyes on a bigger political role, but he is not sitting pretty as speculation rages over his loyalty to ODM.
The speculation is understood to be fueled by a strong clique close to Raila, but which doesn’t want to openly state their case against Kidero.
The governor has now come out to defend himself and put the record straight on his relationship with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he calls at least four times every week for consultations.
Kidero also reveals that Raila was aware of his plans to travel to China with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kidero, who has already declared that he wants to be the chairman of ODM, argues that he cannot play politics with the management of a town that controls 60 per cent of Kenya’s economy. He said no development would be realised if everyone continued to ‘drink, eat and sleep politics’.
Nairobi County Governor Evans Kidero has come out to defend himself as speculation continues to rage over his loyalty to ODM and former Prime Minister RailaOdinga.
Dr Kidero took a swipe at detractors fuelling the speculation and described them as ‘myopic’.
He said no progress would be realised if we ‘drink, eat and sleep politics’. Other leaders who spoke in defence of Kidero’s style said those unhappy with him are those “who have never achieved anything and can’t make a statement without invoking Raila’s name”.
The governor has recently been under attack for deliberately shunning party activities and courses, fuelling speculation that he had shifted his loyalty from ODM.
Some ODM leaders have been hinting that Kidero was scheming to secure a top seat in the party at the expense of ODM founder and party leader Raila Odinga. While rejecting these claims, Kidero explained he enjoys a cordial relationship with the former Prime Minister.
Kidero told his critics he could not afford to eat, drink and sleep’ politics at the expense of his county.
On relations with Raila, he explained; “I consult Raila frequently because he is the one who did the plan for the road network when he was Roads minister. He knew about my trip to China.”
Some ODM supporters have been accusing Kidero of leaning towards Jubilee while snubbing Railafunctions.
Kidero was absent from the US tour for all CORD governors organised by Raila, which was attended by 12 governors.
Political ambitions
While Raila and the 12 CORD governors were in the US, Kidero led a team of his officers to State House to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kidero maintained he has not ditched CORD, saying he cannot play politics with an office that controls 60 per cent of the country’s economy.
He conceded he had higher political ambitions and indicated he was going to vie for the post of ODMchairmanship when elections are held.
“My supporters have asked me to vie for chairmanship of ODM and after consultations, I have decided to go for it. I desire for prudent management of parties where those elected have matching skills,” Kidero said.
He made the announcement recently when he was the guest of honour during the homecoming party for Vihiga County Senator George Khaniri. During the event also attended by Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi, senators Anyang’ Nyong’o, Hassan Omar and Boni Khalwale, Kidero called on Mudavadi to come back to ODM.
“I have attended this event to thank the Luhya people who overwhelmingly voted for me and call on all leaders to work together to make Kenya better,” Kidero said.
No reason
He explained those questioning his loyalty for working with Jubilee did not understand the duties of his office saying: “I was elected by all communities and I must work across all political parties, races and religions.”-standardmedia.co.ke
