ODM MPs Secretly Hope Raila Loses AU Seat – Koech
Belgut MP and chairperson of the influential Defence and Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly, Nelson Koech, has alleged that some members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are secretly hoping for Raila Odinga to fail in his bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
During a local TV breakfast show on Monday, January 20, 2025, Koech remarked that these MPs have been relying on the veteran opposition leader’s influence, and his success at the continental level could lead to their political downfall.
“There are individuals who have become collateral beneficiaries of Raila’s candidacy in every election. Some politicians in Luo-Nyanza would never want to see Raila exit the political arena because they have spent their entire careers being elected solely due to their association with Raila Odinga. They contribute nothing to development,” Koech stated.
“There are parts of this country where delivery does not matter; you just say ‘Baba tosha’ and you are in parliament, Senate, or whichever seat you are running for.”
Hold Raila at ransom
Koech pointed out that some ODM leaders, who are now urging the party to take back its rightful position as the opposition against the Kenya-Kwanza administration, are essentially trying to hold Raila hostage.
He also mentioned that ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and the MPs criticizing the government’s excesses are merely frustrated because they haven’t been included in the lucrative government positions given to some members of the party.
ODM identity
During the funeral service for Roseline Odede of the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights, Senator Sifuna criticized ODM leaders for what he described as sycophancy towards the ruling administration.
“We need to stop being sycophants. If something is wrong, it’s wrong. I refuse to take part in the activities of my fellow ODM members who are benefiting from Ruto’s government while undermining my efforts to hold the government accountable,” Sifuna stated.
This statement followed a recent resolution by the ODM National Executive Council, which declared that leaders should refrain from discussing future cooperation with the Ruto administration. ODM emphasized that they have no political agreement with the UDA party and that their members should actively fulfill their oversight responsibilities.
“When you (Raila) chose to run for the AUC, you told me, as the Secretary General of ODM, that we must maintain our party’s identity as a symbol of hope for Kenyans. This is what I aim to uphold, regardless of your success or failure,” Sifuna added.
ODM MPs Secretly Hope Raila Loses AU Seat – Koech
