Apologise for not honouring Raila, ODM leaders tell Uhuru

                      
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have given President Uhuru Kenyatta 48 hours to apologise for not recognising former vice-president Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Cord leader Raila Odinga as heroes during this year’s Mashujaa Day.

Addressing reporters in Kisumu, ODM director of political affairs Opiyo Wandayi, Nyando MP Fred Outa and politician Richard Ogendo called the omission of the duo a deliberate attempt to humiliate the leaders, who they said played a major role in the first and second liberation of the country.

The leaders said the Nyanza region was not taking the matter kindly and demanded an apology from the Head of State.

Mr Wandayi accused the president and his Jubilee administration of taking their hatred for Nyanza and the Luo community to worrying levels.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta cannot be preaching national unity and cohesion on one hand while on the other hand he's displaying open disdain towards our leaders,” said the Ugunja MP.

He added: “When you disrespect Jaramogi and Raila, we shall also disrespect you in equal measure, if not more.”

While the Odingas were left out of the list of Kenya’s heroes read out by Mr Kenyatta, the late Achieng Oneko was recognised as one of the leaders who gave resources and worked beyond Kenyan borders to fight for Kenya’s liberation.

Also recognised as post-2002 heroes from the region were Siaya Senator James Orengo and Otiende Amollo, the chairman of the Commission on Administrative Justice.

“The freedom millions of Kenya are enjoying came as a result of personal sacrifice from people like Jaramogi, [whom] now the Jubilee regime find not worth recognising,” said Mr Wandayi.

Mr Outa said the opposition will not engage with the Jubilee government until he apologises to the Luo community.