By John Ochieng
Residents of Kisumu County have urged Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga to engage more people in his consultations on the next political move.
At a press conference in Kisumu on Sunday, the leaders assured Raila of their support in his political move with President William Ruto to unite the country.
A spokesperson, Mr Job Mandela, said they back Raila in his political pursuit but urged him to consider engaging religious groups, civil society, and the youth.
Mandela stated that the consultations should not be confined to the ODM party alone, as the majority of Kenyans support the initiative.
“Raila is consulting on our behalf, and we already support the same course. We want him to reach out to more people,” he said.
He emphasised that Raila should not succumb to intimidation or coercion but should instead focus on strengthening the relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government.
“Let no politician, especially those in the ODM party, derail this process. We want this process to be concluded as quickly as possible so that we can be part of the government,” said Mandela.
He warned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka against interfering with Raila, urging them to allow him to lead ODM party supporters into government.
Joe Obuya cautioned Raila not to fall for the carrot being dangled before him by some politicians ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“That carrot is laced with poison—don’t go for it. It is still fresh in our minds how you were duped in the 2002 General Election,” he said.
“We want to affirm to Raila that he has our mandate—the 6 million-plus who voted for him in 2022—to negotiate on our behalf,” he added.
Businesswoman Lilian Onyango said they were waiting to see the signing of documents cementing the relationship.
“I support the ongoing consultations. I want Baba (Raila) to work closely with President Ruto for the sake of unity and peace in this country,” she said.
In recent weeks, Raila has been travelling across Nyanza counties, consulting different stakeholders over his planned move to work with President Ruto.
