Raila Stamps Authority Ahead of Planned Visit to Ruto's Home

Deputy President William Ruto (Left) and ODM leader Raila Odinga at the late Kenneth Matiba's home.
Deputy President William Ruto (Left) and ODM leader Raila Odinga at the late Kenneth Matiba's home in 2018
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ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday, August 1, ordered all the party members to desist from early campaigns.

The former prime minister met with a section of ODM leaders from Siaya County, where he urged all leaders and those aspiring for the party’s ticket across the country to immediately stop campaigns for the 2022 elections.

He instead asked them to focus on critical issues affecting the country currently. 

Odinga's orders come after the party expelled a section of leaders who were viewed as party rebels when they visited Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi's home. 

ODM leader Raila Odinga (Centre) with a section of leaders from Siaya county on august 7, 2020.
ODM leader Raila Odinga (Centre) with a section of leaders from Siaya county on August 7, 2020.
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Those who were expelled included Richard Ogendo, former CEC in Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s administration, Omollo MberuJared Oriadha, Dan Nyamori, Peter Ogwel, Owino Mahawa and Maina Ochieng'.

They had hired buses for over 200 youth to travel to the MP's home where they had a meeting with other Jubilee officials.

The delegation was said to have presented a memorandum ahead of a planned visit of Dr Ruto’s home in Sugoi.

Sudi had first met the group in Kisumu when he visited the county in July 2020, when they conveyed their wish to join Ruto. 

They also asked for support to help them make a living and sustain themselves amid job losses occasioned by Covid-19. 

“Among other issues, we discussed at length about the political predicaments the community is currently facing. They expressed their need to liberate themselves from the chains of dynastic rule the region faces," he stated.

Raila who had been silent over national issues since his surgery in Dubai, commented on the various issues including the referendum which he stated that Kenya has a window to conduct the exercise by the end of the year.

Raila further faulted the revenue sharing formula presented by Senate Majority Whip Irungu Kang'ata. He stated that he had supported the formula before because he was not fully briefed about what it entails.

He expressed concern that the proposal would result in loss in revenue for some counties.

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