![Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua at Raila's Capitol Hill offices on Wednesday. [Source/ Alfred Mutua]](/files/styles/article_style_mobile/public/images/media/Former%20Prime%20Minister%20Raila%20Odinga%20and%20Machakos%20Governor%20Alfred%20Mutua%20at%20Raila%27s%20Capitol%20Hill%20offices%20on%20Wednesday.jpg?h=9700551b&itok=WfRm8qks)
Machakos governor Dr. Alfred Mutua on Tuesday, March 9, called on political leaders to show former prime minister Raila Odinga some respect given the contributions he has made to democracy in the country.
The Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader maintained that Raila exhibited courage when he united with President Uhuru Kenyatta in the spirit of handshake after the 2017 chaotic elections, and which stabalised the country.
“It is baffling and to all purposes an indication of cognitive dissonance that some highly opportunistic leaders who were not party to the handshake, and who have benefited from the handshake are asking Raila Odinga to forego the handshake benefits in their favour. Talk of hyenas waiting for the spoils after the hunt,” Mutua said.
The Machakos governor reminded politicians that competition in politics is normal, but it should not be used to undermine other people's effort in championing for clean politics.
Mutua also added that having shown an interest in the 2022 general election, he does not have an excuse to disrespect Raila.
“Raila Odinga is one of my competitors in my quest to be the next president. However, I have to respect him, and not try to use his efforts for self-benefit as others are doing,” the statement further reads.
Mutua further discouraged leaders from engaging in tribal politics as an excuse to secure leadership positions, while legitimate and deserving leaders are disregarded due lack of influence.
"Leaders need to stop being opportunistic and using the poverty of their tribes as bargaining chips whereas their development scorecards are in the negative," he said.
The ODM party leader recently received backlash from some of his former political allies who said that he needs to step down and give others a chance.
Former National Super Alliance (NASA) party leaders have distanced themself from Raila's next political move even though he (Raila) is yet to make an open declaration about it.
ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper party's Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula of Ford Kenya have openly criticized Raila for what they said is his failure to honor a promise they had made during the 2017 general election.
“When I created the NASA coalition in 2017, Raila told us that he was using his last bullet to go for the presidency, and it is hypocritical for him to run again in 2022,” Mudavadi told Raila.
