President Uhuru and I Made Ourselves, We Don't Come from Dynasties, Raila Says

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has defended President Kenyatta and himself against claims that they hail from Kenyan political dynasties.

Odinga says that although they come from prominent families, they have worked hard to reach where they are today.

“There is no dynasty, because the people struggle all on their own,” said Raila while speaking during a memorial service of the former chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake Jane Kiano in Karen, Nairobi on Friday.

"You cannot now say Uhuru is a part of a dynasty….Jomo Kenyatta was just a pauper before he fought to be where he got; I am not part of any dynasty either.  Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was just a pauper; you could say he was a hustler.”

"Raila is Raila the way he is and Uhuru is who he is because of himself, so you can’t divorce us on claims we come from dynasties,” he adds.

Kenyatta, who spoke at the same function, said Ms Kiano will be remembered for her tremendous contribution to women empowerment.

“ We have started the process of recognizing women who have greatly contributed to the development of this country and we need to celebrate them when they are still alive,” says President Kenyatta.

Ms Kiano passed away last week at Nairobi Hospital after a long battle with lung cancer. The 74-year-old was widow of the late former Cabinet Minister Julius Gikonyo Kiano.