ODM leader Raila Odinga passed a tough message to the Members of Nairobi County Assembly allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its affiliated parties after holding a meeting with them on Tuesday, November 19, in Nairobi.
Speaking at the Chungwa House event that brought together the MCAs and other ODM youth delegates, Odinga reminded the legislators that the role of county assemblies was to put checks and balances on county governments for efficiency and effective delivery of services to the people.
In a long message posted by ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale on his Facebook page, Raila warned the legislators to desist from constant wrangles over leadership in the house, which he explained were dealing a tough blow to the fruits that had been brought about by devolution.
“We fought so hard for devolution and we should not make it fail by frequent wrangling, you must defend it at all costs,” Raila was quoted.
The ODM leader also asked the new Minority Leader David Njilithia Mberia to ensure equal representation of party and coalition MCAs in the committees of the assembly to avoid uneasiness among them.
“You are honourable members, you must exercise a high level of discipline and conduct yourselves with decorum. You must be role models to those aspiring to become leaders of tomorrow,” Raila posed.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna echoed calls by the former PM and called upon the party members to work as a team in order to deliver their mandate.
“You are a strong team and this was evident during the just concluded by-election in Kibra. I want the new minority leader to be open and transparent in discharging his duties to avoid causing dissatisfaction among members," Sifuna stated.
Makadara MP George Aladwa also supported Raila's sentiments, where he urged members of the ODM Party to remain committed to the party.
“For ODM to move forward and form the next government, loyalty is paramount. We should have respect for the party leadership and respect decisions they make” he advised.
Reports also indicated that all the ODM and NASA coalition MCAs were present in the meeting.
