Cord leaders downplay Obama’s censure on doublespeak
Opposition leaders Monday sidestepped criticism by US President Barack Obama of doublespeak on America’s role in governance issues in the country.
Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Martha Karua insisted instead that President Obama had addressed their concerns.
Speaking during a press conference at Capitol Hill in Nairobi, Mr Musyoka said President Obama’s remarks had been taken out of context.
He said that Kenyans ought to look at the bigger picture and not who the US President was referring to.
“His comments were with light touch. There was no tongue lashing.We want the subject to rest,” said Mr Musyoka.
Mr Odinga and Mr Wetangula did not speak on the issue.
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua denied that the US President had lashed out at the opposition, saying that issues that were discussed were done in a candid way.
“There was unanimity on all issues as he responded to the issues candidly,” insisted Ms Karua.
She said that the meeting with President Obama should not be reduced to a sentence or comment.
Ms Karua said that Mr Obama came with a bi-partisan group, noting that the Kenya government should have also invited a bi-partisan delegation for the conference.
Ms Karua also acknowledge that as opposition they have no doubt that there is a government in place.
“He did not say that he cannot direct the government and even he did not mention anything of interference,” insisted Ms Karua.
On Sunday, while addressing civil society at Kenyatta University, President Obama openly criticized an opposition leader whom he did not mention, but whom he said had previously opposed US involvement in Kenya affairs.
“I had to say to them, I remember when you were in government, you kept on saying, why are trying to interfere with Kenya business, you should mind your own business. So everybody wants the United States to be involved when they are not in power and when they are in power they want United States to mind their own business,” President Obama had said.
President Obama also told the opposition that there is a legitimate government in Kenya, which the US would work with, although it will listen to all segments of society.