Raila is Still Crucial for ODM Party Politics

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Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo has said that for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party to remain relevant in future political contests it must retain Raila Amollo Odinga as its candidate.

Orengo who is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Senior Counsel noted that, legally, nothing stops Raila from contesting for presidency in 2027.

Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo addressing the media from his office at a past event. Photos | Directorate of Communication, Siaya County Government.

“Raila can still participate in the country’s politics if he chooses to do so,” he said adding that the constitution does not stop him from contesting for presidency.

Orengo further assured party faithful that ODM party has not merged with UDA and no such merger is envisaged in the near future.

“ODM has not merged with Kenya Kwanza as speculated in certain quarters. We only gave the government a few of our experts to help stabilize the country after a parliamentary coup.”

Orengo who was speaking in Kakamega on Saturday said there was nothing new in that arrangement as previously ODM party saved ex-President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta when he was faced with political turmoil.

“We are the strongest party with a national outlook and whenever our members are sought, we devote strength and time for Kenyans to gain economically.”

Orengo was flanked by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kakamega Women Representative Elsie Muhanda both of whom insisted that the four ODM experts working in Kenya Kwanza government as Cabinet Secretaries can be compared to professional football players playing at a fee.

Osotsi emphasized that as ODM Party they have not abandoned their oversight role in parliament.

“We are still committed to our oversight role. We recently participated in the debate that saw a proposal meant to reduce funds intended for the counties dropped,” he added.

Osotsi vowed to undertake roles that were played by ex-deputy party Leader Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya although he acknowledged that Oparanya’s shoes were large and oversized.

“I replaced Cooperative Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya as the deputy party leader a position I earned due to my loyalty and performance in terms of running party affairs. I know that Oparanya’s ‘boots are big’ but I will try and fit so as to sort out the ODM woes in Kakamega,” Osotsi said.

Osotsi insisted on laying strategies that will ensure ODM Party is stable in western Kenya.

He added that ODM recently summoned Kakamega Governor Ferdinard Baraza, the county Speaker and Butere MCA Maina who is also a majority leader in Mombasa and a directive was given to the leaders on letters.

Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo (centre) with Senator Godfrey Osotsi and unidentified mourner in Kakamega on Saturday.

“The leaders were given two weeks to implement the directives from the party.”

He also said: “The content of the letter demanded Baraza to cease from insulting fellow (ODM) leaders, withdraw cases he had taken to court against the assembly and MCAs withdrawn from the assembly be re-instated.”

“We await to confirm if they have actualized the directives given to them by the National Executive Committee buy Monday so that we may pass a verdict.”