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Minister Criticises Kanu Defectors
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 22 July 2007 22:55
Politicians who had previously been rejected by the electorate were joining Ford-People "to get tickets for contesting in next year's General Elections".
He said the defection of former MPs Dr Hezron Manduku, Mr Stephen Manoti and Mr Reuben Oyondi, was self-seeking and proved that they were panicky ahead of the elections.
Mr Obure, addressing a funds drive in aid of Masisi Primary School in his Bobasi Constituency, said he doubted whether Former Finance Minister Simeon Nyachae would join the party.
"The way I know him (Mr Nyachae), he may not join the party," he said.
Last week, Mr Nyachae's mother and five of his political allies joined Ford-People, a sign that the former minister might cross over to the party.
The minister said the Kisii community should have "come up with their own party than join a little-known one."
Mr Obure has at the same time denied reports that he had apologised on behalf of the Kisii community over deaths on the Gucha-Transmara border.
He said last Saturday's media reports that he had apologised on behalf of the Kisii were "inaccurate and portrayed the community as the aggressors in the clashes".
He clarified that he had told a high level security meeting that he regretted the loss of lives among the Kisii and Maasai.
More than 30 people have died in the clashes.
Speaking at a funeral at Mogonga Market on Sunday, Mr Obure called for dialogue between the Kisii and Maasai living on the troubled border.
He asked people outside these border to avoid commenting on the clashes as they understood little about the disputes.
On Saturday, the Nation reported that the Bobasi MP had apologised on behalf of the Kisii community, and that he had also asked Kisii youth not to attack the Maasai or graze in their land against their will.
"I never apportioned blame to anybody or to any community, neither did I appeal to Kisii youth to stop grazing their
He was said to have spoken during a peace baraza at Nyangusu Secondary School soon after Police Commissioner Philemon Abong'o toured the troubled area.
But during the funeral, the minister said he was not a spokesman for the Kisii community, and could therefore not apologise on its behalf.
"Whom am I to speak on the behalf of the community. I am not its mandated spokesman," he said.
