This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
On October 20, 2019, Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition in Kenya, faced criticism for his decision to suspend sand mining in the country after a mother and her son were swept away by strong currents while on a ferry.
Responding to his critics, Raila Odinga said he had given the order to suspend the sand mining as a Kenyan citizen, and therefore, no one was in a position to question his decision.
"Wengi wamekuwa wakiuliza niliongea kama nani. Niliongea kama Mkenya," Raila Odinga said in a statement.
However, lawmakers from the Jubilee party, who support Deputy President William Ruto, dismissed Raila's decision, saying he was not in a position to give orders to government officials.
"Hiyo ni mizaha yake tu. Maafisa wa serikali wapuuze matamshi hayo... ni wapi kiongozi wa upinzani hutoa amri kwa maafisa wa serikali?" Rigathi Gachagua, the MP for Mathira, asked.
