This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
December 7th, 2017
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has rejected the interference of western envoys, particularly the United States, in Kenya's affairs. Speaking at the City Mortuary in Nairobi, where NASA leaders had joined with the families of 16 deceased victims of alleged police brutality to offer their condolences, Raila reaffirmed the opposition coalition's resolve to never recognize Uhuru Kenyatta as the President of Kenya.
"We don't recognize the swearing-in that took place because it was based on an election that we also don't recognize. We will go by the results of August 8 elections in which Kenyans expressed their will," Raila stated.
He expressed disappointment with the western envoys for not talking about the police brutality that claimed the lives of over 215 Kenyans who died in the course of post-polls violent protests after the August 8 and October 26 polls.
"We thought we had friends but we were wrong. Now we know they are enemies. Up to today, not a single envoy or ambassador in the country has raised their voice to condemn the killing of people by police," Raila said.
He also rejected the US government's request to abandon his planned swearing-in ceremony due for December 12 and instead pursue reforms within the confines of the Kenyan constitution.
"Kenyan problems will be solved by the Kenyan people. Our friends can give us advice, give those advices in private. Do not come and shout at us and tell us we are going to violate the constitution. Which constitution? My foot!" Raila exclaimed.
