Nairobi: Kanyan opposition leader Raila Odinga launched a scathing attack in Parliament, saying some legislators were protecting graft suspects. Raila asked MPs to remain above reproach and give Kenyans hope. “Members of Parliament must lead by example. MPs must protect the people. If they are going to be accomplices in this, then Kenyans must think twice,” said Raila. The former premier warned MPs that history would judge them harshly if they became accomplices in economic crimes currently under active investigations by various agencies.
He cited the current investigations into the existence of contraband sugar recently impounded in various parts of the country, saying members of the joint committee picked to investigate the matter were involved in side shows. Saying Parliament had no investigative powers, Raila advised legislators to leave the sugar issue to investigative agencies.
Parliament last week declined to endorse a report tabled by a select committee appointed to investigate the sugar scandal after Speaker Justin Muturi led MPs in rejecting it on claims it was shoddy and incomplete. Raila said institutions fighting corruption had been energised and were working, adding that Kenyans should support them. “We need to give them power to continue fighting corruption,” said Raila. He added: “The MPs must handle corruption issues with care or they will find themselves on the wrong side of history.”
He added: “Parliament has no investigative powers. Leave this to the institutions with the manpower trained to investigate. You call people and shout at them to be seen on television that you are working. You are not doing anything useful to this country. You only want to be seen that you grilled so and so.” The ODM leader said MPs must respect constitutional institutions and commissions. “Why does Parliament think that it is above the Constitution? Why should they set their salaries, which is the work of the Salaries Review Commission?” he posed. He added: “Parliament is setting a very bad example for the people of this country. I want to plead with MPs who are here to go tell their colleagues out there that Kenyans are watching.” Raila, again, defended his handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he had no regrets because the peace pact had brought stability in the country.
