How Raila's Efforts to Save Jalang'o Backfired 

Azimio leader Raila Odinga (holding microphone) and Phelix Odiwuor ( raising hands) address a rally at Undugu Grounds in Lang'ata, Nairobi County in June 2022.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga (holding microphone) and Phelix Odiwuor ( raising hands) address a rally at Undugu Grounds in Lang'ata, Nairobi County in June 2022.
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Raila Odinga

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga attempted to save Lang'ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o from being kicked out of the Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting held in Machakos County on Thursday, February 9.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Friday, February 10, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni revealed that Raila wanted the embattled legislator to be given a chance to explain himself over his visit to State House.

He added that Raila wanted Jalang'o to do the explanation before the media given that those who attended the PG had reservations about the visit.

However, Kioni divulged that a section of those attending the meeting at Stoni Athi Resort could not hear any of it.

Rowdy youths blocking Langata MP Phelix Odiwour from accessing the venue of Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting on Thursday February 9, 2023
Rowdy youths blocking Langata MP Phelix Odiwour from accessing the venue of the Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting on Thursday, February 9, 2023.
Philip Murutu

"Jalang'o made a huge mistake. There is no popularity that any of us has that can go against the people's revolution. 

"Revolution is very unforgiving to irritants. Raila had actually said that we let Jalang'o explain himself on camera but people could not stand any of those individuals opening their mouths," Kioni revealed. 

Nonetheless, he alluded to the fact that the embattled MPs who visited State House could redeem themselves with time.

"Do we have room for them? We do. The process we are pushing is for the people and we want everyone on board. They have to win the confidence of the people again," the SG stated.

The former radio presenter was kicked out of the Azimio PG minutes after he gained entry to the venue.

According to the first-time lawmaker,  he was asked to leave the venue by Raila's security maintaining that he had gone to visit Ruto over development projects.

Consequently, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka offered to mediate between Jalang'o and the Azimio leaders as he asked the MPs to be tolerant.

However, while addressing mourners at former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's funeral, Raila maintained that he did not want traitors in his camp.

"I know where we are going but I do not want traitors," he asserted.

 Raila Uhuru
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (Left), Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (Centre) and Mama Idah Odinga (Right) during the burial of Professor George Magoha on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
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