Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga was, on Saturday, forced to intervene after two politicians fought in his presence.
While speaking during the launch of the party membership drive in Siaya county, Raila was irked by the duel between Nyakach MP Joshua Aduma and a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) moments after he arrived at the venue.
The opposition leader attributed the duo's heated confrontation to a succession battle as they both want to succeed Anyang' Ny'ong'o as governor when his second term ends in 2027.
“I want to say that when I came in, I saw people pushing each other and claiming to be political candidates,” Raila, who took over the microphone, stated.
"We're barely a year after the elections and some of you are fighting over political positions," he added.
Raila warned that political leaders should not be derailed by selfish ambitions and instead focus on service delivery as the electioneering period was over.
"And even you who were elected, settle down and serve your people. As an MCA, why would you want to run for MP, yet you haven't even demonstrated competence in the post for which you were elected last year," Raila condemned the junior politician.
"And If you want to run for MP, why don't you wait until 2026 before you announce you're running for MP."
He also scolded Nyakach MP Joshua Aduma, accusing him of organising a political protest against the current Kisumu Governor, Anyang' Nyong'o.
"Aduma! (Nyakach MP) let me never hear such a thing again. Right now, Kisumu County has a Governor. His name is Professor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o. Anyang' is currently serving his second term. Let him work."
"If you announce that you want to inherit Anyang's seat, yet he's still sitting on it, what motivation do you have?." He wondered.
Raila toured Siaya to launch ODM's membership drive aimed at re-energising and rejuvenating the party.
The resolution for the party to hold grassroots elections was reached at during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in September this year.
