The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's team has been forced to postpone a dinner that had been slated for December 7, 2021 at the Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel.
The dinner was aimed at raising funds for Odinga's upcoming presidential campaigns. Those willing to attend or support would part with Ksh1 million for a plate.
In a statement, Odinga's team explained that it had received overwhelming support, hence needed to plan the dinner better.
"Due to unanticipated overwhelming support, the dinner has been postponed to a later date for better planning. Apologies for the inconveniences caused," read the apology.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, had rallied the youth to contribute towards the dinner, arguing that the future was safe in Odinga's hands.
“Come on December 7 at Kempinski at 6pm and enjoy Dinner with Baba. We will contribute Ksh1 million each towards Baba’s campaign,” Owino wrote on his Facebook page.
During his presidential campaign of 2017, Odinga unveiled a pay bill number and bank account through which supporters could make contributions.
Members of the Jubilee Party at the time poked holes at the process saying that Odinga wanted to fleece Kenyans off their hard earned money.
Odinga, however, defended himself saying; “All over the democratic world, elections are financed and run by donors and volunteers.
"In fact, in many countries where big business and the corporate world are in bed with the repressive state, volunteers and small donors are the ones who make the big difference.”
The party has stated that it will advise on a different date once the planning process has been finalised.
