ODM leader Raila Odinga found an unlikely ally in Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who came out to defend his decision to direct that dredging activities cease at the coast to pave way for the recovery efforts of the bodies of the Likoni ferry tragedy victims.
The Standard reported on Monday, October 7, that the Senate leader of the majority agreed with Raila's actions at the coast, stating that the directive should not be an issue of discussion.
"If by stopping the dredging the issue can be addressed, so be it. If the orders will help retrieve the bodies, so be it," he was quoted.
He instead called for the people to focus their energies on the recovery of the bodies, an exercise that has now moved into its second week.
Murkomen also urged leaders and all those who were complaining about the directive to instead push for a lasting solution to the problems dogging coast residents, like a bridge over the Likoni channel.
His sentiments were echoed by the University of Nairobi don Herman Manyora, who cautioned Raila to issue such directives in private in order to avoid embarrassment.
Murkomen's words come at a time when many jubilee politicians had taken to chastizing Raila's decision, stating that he had no locus to give such orders as he was only the opposition leaders.
Mathira MP Rirathi Gachagua told a congregation in Meru on Sunday that Raila had no capacity to issue directives as his only role in the country was that of the leader of the opposition.
"Pretending that he can give orders in the country is an absurdity. We have a deputy and a President in the country, who is he to issue such orders?" he had posed.
Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura also defended Raila, stating that as a leader and a senior citizen, he had a voice, not necessarily to order but to give directions on how things should be done.
"Raila can have more say in the government than even DP Ruto, and I think he is using his "associated" powers. He can speak as an envoy of the AU for infrastructure," he stated.
