Opinion: Odinga can handshake anyone, but his minions cannot…

Members facing allegations of violation of Article 11 (1) (e) of the party constitution and section 14A of the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political party and opposed lawful decisions/resolutions made by the party organs, the NEC decided that these members i.e Hon. Elisha Ochieng’ Odhiambo (Gem), Hon. Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Hon. Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Hon. Tom Ojienda (Senator of Kisumu County) and Hon. Phelix Odiwuor Kodhe (Lang’ata) be deemed to have resigned from the party. The party is hereby directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of the party” (Orange Democratic Movement, 06.09.2023).

This seems to be Raila Odinga’s “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” moment of history. Odinga is miscalculating here, as Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition are in bipartisan talks with Kenya Kwanza Alliance. Meaning there is already communication and talks between the government and the opposition. Therefore, to suspend or expel members for the same activities seems a bit harsh.

We know Raila Odinga, the Baba can easily change his mind. One day he can hate the government and the next one he can get a prefixed office made out of thin air. That’s the sort of gentleman Odinga has become. He can one day demonstrate and complain about the price of living. However, in the next he can praise the government for their activities and possible pledges to change the prices of maize. That’s what he does and we can wonder what is coming next.

This isn’t the first or the last time someone will be expelled from the ODM. No, in the ODM there is only one KING and that is Odinga. Everyone has to dance to his tune and pledge blind loyalty to him. Regardless of the mandate, the local promises or the constituents a representative represents while in Office. In that regard, they serve Odinga and his whims first, after that they can be concerned about the needs of the citizens.

That’s the vibe I’m getting here. Odinga is just showing how out of touch and bound he is. When this is the choice he makes. He and his party punish people for working with the government. The same government the ODM and the opposition coalition are in talks with. It isn’t like there is total hostilities and mistrust. No, there is dialogue and principals for communication between the parties. Meaning the ODM and the other parties are already in coordination with KKA as we speak. Maybe not at BBI levels of yet or a Presidential Handshake. Neither is Odinga appointed Prime Minister in a Government of National Unity. However, his still in talks and so is his associates.

That’s why it’s a bit bonkers and feels like the ODM is losing the plot to clip the wings of people who is actually meeting or greeting the President. Maybe they didn’t notify the party or have the blessing of Odinga to do so. They should have maybe asked, but we can understand why they went. They have obligations to their constituents and wants to deliver to them. To make things easier and smooth. They tried to have a nice bond with the President. I cannot blame them for that and I understand the sentiment.

Just like I understand the secrecy and the undermining efforts of Odinga before the Presidential Handshake. The one that caused peace, but also rift in NASA. A handshake that shook the core of NASA and also caused a stir in Jubilee. That’s why things are the way they are and Odinga has never entered Canaan or seen Jerusalem.

Odinga tried this game with Ruto in the past. Now he does the same trick with other members. Ruto went behind his back to Kibaki. Now several others has done the same, but gone to Ruto. Ruto has overtaken the slot of Odinga. Who says there aren’t other figures who can do the same yet again. Out of the leaders that is now expelled. They are maybe not ODM anymore, but do they need that to re-elected or even be relevant?

Odinga is playing a game he will not win. Especially, when he can change his mind and suddenly become a project under the wings of government himself. There is just a need for a proper excuse and a mission. Which in the end sounds like the golden ticket out of poverty and into wealth. We all know that will never appear and the same empty pockets will reside around our way. Peace.

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Kenya: Joint Statement by Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza Leadership (29.07.2023)

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