‘Stop blackmailing and pressurizing Raila to support your presidential bid’ – ODM MPs to Azimio allies
Several MPs from the ODM party are cautioning their allies in the Azimio coalition against efforts to prevent their party leader, Raila Odinga, from running for the presidency in the 2027 elections.
Over ten legislators have asserted that certain members from other political factions are devising strategies to persuade Raila to forgo the 2027 presidential bid and instead endorse their own candidacy.
Senators Oburu Odinga (Siaya), Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay), and Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), along with MPs Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), and Joshua Oron from Kisumu Central, have argued that there exists a plan to pressure Raila into supporting another individual in the upcoming race.
Oburu, who is Raila’s older brother, highlighted that this pressure tactic is often employed when the ODM leader participates in events within perceived strongholds of the Wiper Democratic Party.
“Let our bothers stop blackmailing and pressurizing Raila to support their bid when he (Raila) visits them. Raila is still strong and can still contest the presidency seat in 2027,” Oburu said.
Addressing attendees at the funeral of George Awino, brother to ODM Financial Director Joshua K’Awino in Kanyamfwa village, Karachuonyo constituency, Oburu emphasized that parties within the Azimio coalition will possess the authority to select their presidential nominee.
The Azimio coalition includes parties such as ODM, Wiper, DAP Kenya, Narc Kenya, and Kanu, among others.
Recently, legislators aligned with the Wiper party have indicated that their leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, will be a contender in the 2027 elections.
They are hoping that Raila will endorse Kalonzo as a gesture of reciprocity for the support Kalonzo provided to him during the period spanning from the 2013 to the 2022 general elections.
“Instead of pushing Raila to leave the presidential race they should concentrate on strengthening their parties because I believe that the party with more grass-root support will produce a presidential candidate,” he added.
Other MPs in attendance included Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Peter Orero (Kibra), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), and Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo.
Kajwang reiterated that Raila remains their most viable presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
They contended that there are no obstacles preventing Raila from securing the presidency in his sixth bid for the position.
Kajwang asserted that the pressure on Raila to withdraw from the race had escalated to the point where some leaders within the Azimio coalition were resorting to blackmail.
He emphasized that they would not tolerate such pressure tactics or blackmail any further.
“It is out of order for some members of the Azimio coalition to start blackmailing Raila because they want him to endorse someone. Let’s stop such conversation because it’s unhealthy and will not take Azmio anywhere, ” Kajwang’ said.
Kajwang issued a challenge to members of the Azimio coalition’s parties, urging them to bolster their respective parties in preparation for the 2027 general election.
“We want Azimio affiliate parties to go back to the drawing board and strengthen their parties. Later, we will ask what each party can bring to the table for us to move forward,” Kajwang’ said.
Kaluma asserted that anyone wishing for Raila to abandon his presidential aspirations is merely indulging in wishful thinking. He further stated that Raila remains the favored candidate for many Kenyans.
“Raila’s presidential bid is determined by the people of Kenya and not by political leader. People will endorse him when the right time comes,” Kaluma said.
Wandayi expressed confidence that Raila will lead the next government, citing his belief that President William Ruto’s administration has disappointed Kenyans.
The Minority Leader in the National Assembly asserted that the current government has failed to address the high cost of living, leading to widespread disillusionment among the populace.
“We’re confident that we are going to form the next government under Raila Odinga,” Wandayi said.
Osogo stated they had high hopes in Raila.
“Let them know that our presidential candidate is Raila,” Osogo said.
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‘Stop blackmailing and pressurizing Raila to support your presidential bid’ – ODM MPs to Azimio allies
