Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Communications Philip Etale has dismissed claims that National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga rejected plans to swear him as president.
Through his social media account, Mr Etale strongly refuted the claims describing them as propaganda affirming that Raila would be president.
"Forget newspaper headlines. Forget so-called 'sources close to baba'. Forget government propaganda through sections of the media. Forget any diversionary tactics by Jubilee and their agencies. The resolve by the people of Kenya is one. Baba must be president," he tweeted on Sunday.
[caption caption="Philip Etale's tweet"]
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Earlier reports stated that the former Prime Minister rejected the calls for his swearing-in on grounds that it would taint his international image, his respect for the law and the Constitution.
The Nation reported that sources privy to the meeting divulged that the Opposition Chief turned down the plan and proposed for a more vigorous push for reforms in the country.
[caption caption="ODM's Philip Etale and Raila Odinga"]
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The newspaper added that Mr Odinga proposed that the fight for reforms should effectively utilize the People’s Assemblies in Opposition counties, the boycott of certain companies and products and civil disobedience.
“Some people in the coalition would have really wanted to go on with it (parallel swearing-in), however, some people have called for caution instead, with Baba (Raila) himself being the biggest voice, citing his national stature, international image and his respect for the law,” a NASA MP was quoted by the Nation.
Following the reports, Former Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Miguna Miguna disclosed that Odinga's mistake was to reject a plan to have him sworn in as president on Tuesday, November 28.
This came after the NASA leader opposed the plan to have a parallel swearing-in ceremony the same day President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to take the oath for a second term in office.
Mr Etale's proclamation elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans online:
