By Peter Ochieng
Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leaders on Tuesday held a Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga foundation offices in Nairobi, where deliberations were made on various issues affecting Kenyans.
The demise of Francis Ogolla and 9 of his juniors in a helicopter crash on Thursday last week, dominated the proceedings.
Until his death, Ogolla was the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), becoming the first officer of that rank to die in in office. He was buried on Sunday in Ng’iya, Siaya County.
They called for a judicial inquest into the accident and death as opposed to what they termed as mere investigations, led by the military that is closed to civilians.
“On the death of General Ogolla, the Parliamentary Group shared deep condolences with his family and the families of those who perished with him. Further, the PG called for a judicial inquest into the accident and death as opposed to mere investigation led by the military that is closed to civilians. We also demand that families of the victims be independently represented in the investigation and inquest,” said Opiyo Wandayi, Minority Leader in the National Assembly.
Members of the opposition settled on Mathare Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Oluoch and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, to lead the Parliamentary inquest into General Ogolla’s death.
On the economic front, they insisted that life remains unbearable for most Kenyans, despite the price of maize flour, power and fuel drastically coming down in the past few months.
“On the economic circumstances, the PG takes the position that life remains unbearable for a greater majority of Kenyans, contrary to state sponsored propaganda that the cost of goods has come down. Kenyans are still struggling to put food on the table, pay school fees, access healthcare, pay house rent and even bus fare.”
They insisted that Kenyans are worse off now than they were this time a year ago.
“Kenyans are worse off today than they were at this time last year and the year before. The PG therefore calls on the government to embark on steps that will drastically lower the cost of basic goods. Kenya Kwanza promised that Unga would come down to Sh100 or less immediately to regime assumed power. We need that promise fulfilled.
They invited President William Ruto to reign in on “unprecedented case of corruption in government and state capture by people in and out of government.”