Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has defended his party amid accusations of tolerating corruption because of its newfound relationship with the ruling party.
ODM came under attack after its Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna issued a statement last week that was interpreted as shielding Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa) in wake of a scandal over alleged misuse of Covid-19 funds.
On Monday, Raila said that ODM has a proven record of commitment to fighting corruption and safeguarding public resources.
“ODM never did and never will tolerate corruption in all its manifestations, no matter who is involved,” said Raila.
However, the ODM leader said that the party has called for a thorough and urgent audit of all funds that have been allocated to state agencies, departments, and ministries to fight coronavirus pandemic.
“ODM has always advocated this systematic approach to fighting corruption. In the Grand Coalition Government, the party successfully pushed for the systematic audit of the sale of Grand Regency Hotel and attendant consequences. ODM pushed for the systematic audit of Anglo Leasing Scandal by Kroll and Associates, leading to appropriate legal action on culprits,” said Raila.
The opposition chief, who has closely been working with Jubilee Party after declaring a truce in 2018, said that ODM has in the past successfully pushed the government to investigate scandals involving maize, dam construction, and cemetery land procurement.
“In the case of Arror and Kimwarer dams, the truth was established when the Auditor-General conducted a special audit of the Sh60 billion dams whose procurement and financing had caused public outrage,” the ODM leader said.
He also cited ODM’s similar approach to the National Youth Service scandal in 2016 when the Auditor-General established that taxpayers lost at least Sh1.9 billion.
Raila took aim at Musalia Mudavadi, who is the Amani National Congress party leader, over his criticism for the party’s stance on Kemsa corruption.
“As matters stand now, none of the people taking to the podium or social media to condemn theft of funds has any evidence. The so-called condemnations of theft could well be part of a cover-up,” said Raila.
The ODM chief said that his party will not defend corrupt officials regardless of their ties with the party.
