The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has warned Azimio la Umoja coalition parties against attempts to arm-twist Raila Odinga.
Addressing the media on Monday, August 19, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga said there is an attempt by some individuals in Azimio to have the former Prime Minister endorse them.
The Homa Bay Governor also said the party will not allow the use of Raila’s AU bid to make ill-intentioned remarks on Azimio matters.
“As a party, ODM will not accept any continued attempts to use Raila Odinga as a human shield, any continued attempt to arm-twist him into endorsing anybody at this stage, or any continued attempt to use him as an excuse for the failure of leadership in individual constituent parties of Azimio.
“And we will not accept the use of Raila's bid for AUC chairmanship to be used to pass ill-intentioned remarks disguised as well wishes and to arm-twist him on Azimio matters,” Wanga stated.
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She pointed out that some remarks by Azimio partners have been questioning the ODM party’s place and commitment in playing its role as an opposition party.
Wanga reiterated that the four former ODM official who joined the cabinet joined in their individual capacity and there is no coalition agreement between Kenya Kwanza and ODM.
“We would not take seriously such utterances were they not directed as they are now, at the Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, who is also the leader of Azimio. Someone in Azimio is trying to question Raila Odinga's commitment to holding the government to account,” she stated.
Governor Wanga said the ODM party would continue to play its role in the opposition but would not agree to engage with anyone acting in bad faith and with ulterior motives.
Further, she claimed that some individuals in the Azimio coalition are trying to wrestle the leadership of the houses of Parliament from ODM.
“Our partners are not acting in good faith. They are hiding behind the three gentlemen and one lady who joined the government and using it to try and wrestle the leadership of the houses of Parliament from ODM. We find that unacceptable. We wish to reiterate the obvious, that House leadership is about numbers in the house, not those in government.
Our members have been forthright and honorable enough to declare that they are joining the government. The four have been honorable enough to relinquish their party positions instead of clinging to opposition leadership while serving in the government at the same time,” Wanga added.
This comes after Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said they will continue to work without Odinga since he has defined his own path.
“I can clearly say that Raila has decided to go to AU, we wish him well, we are not going to work without him,” Kioni stated.
