East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP David Ole Sankok has claimed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is Kenya’s 'longest-serving president'.
Sankok claimed that Raila has served alongside four Heads of state, “effectively making home the longest-serving president.”
“Whether you call him the People’s President, Co-President, or Co-Principal, the truth is he (Raila) is the country’s longest-serving president,” he said.
Sankok explained that Rala served with the late President Moi during the Kanu-NDP merger and later served with the late President Mwai Kibaki in the Grand Coalition Government as co-principals.
He further noted Raila also served with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in the handshake government.
“Uhuru and Raila insulted each other. Raila called Uhuru a drunkard, and he was called a witch doctor. Later on, they sat down and had a handshake and served as co-principals,” he said.
He added that President William Ruto and Raila went around in circles and then announced a broad-based government and are now working together.
“Raila now holds some authority in government. This man has served with four leaders, so who is the longest-serving president?” he posed.
“All the four presidents served and went, leaving him behind. I was against him, but I now give up. Let Baba be called Baba.”
He added that years ago they were sent to insult Raila, but they were shocked to see Raila with former President Uhuru shaking hands.
“We do not know where he passed. We just found him at State House. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also set traps to prevent Raila from being part of government but he found him in State House,” Sankok added.
He said Moi jailed Raila for nine years but ended up making peace with him.
“Raila Odinga can make peace anywhere with anybody,” he stated.
Sankok said the African Union Commission needs Raila as its chairperson, saying the former Prime Minister can make peace anywhere.
