ODM leader Raila Odinga has come to the defence of two governors over their remarks on the broad-based government formed by President William Ruto and his party.
Raila said remarks by Governor James Orengo (Siaya) and Anyang’ Nyong’o are based on the MoU signed between ODM and the ruling UDA.
He maintained that there is no coalition between ODM and UDA and that the partnership is an arrangement based on an MoU signed in daylight.
“There are clear points, very explicit, and I do not see why people are bickering. When Orengo talks, he is talking on the basis of the MoU between ODM and UDA. Orengo has not committed any crime. He has a democratic right to say what he was saying,” Raila stated.
Orengo and Nyong’o have come under fire from some members of the Orange party over their remarks on the broad-based government.
Raila added that anybody speaking about devolution is talking the language of ODM.
“Devolution was the most important feature of our Constitution, but it has not worked because we have not implemented it the way it should be. That is why people are not reaping the benefits of it,” he added.
He explained that some government functions are yet to be fully devolved.
“You have devolved some responsibilities, but you have not devolved the funds. Health is a devolved function, but most of the funds are held up in Nairobi. Why should the national government hold over Sh100 billion yet the function is devolved?” he posed.
Raila argued that the fact that his party is in cooperation with that of President Ruto—UDA—means the constitution does not bar members of his party and supporters from speaking their mind.
Speaking during the burial of Priscillah Koyo, the wife of former Luo Council of Elders Chairman Koyo Opien at Gendia in Karachuonyo constituency, Raila said ODM has not joined the government of Ruto.
He compared the MoU to that of the United States of America, in which former President Joe Biden and current President Donald Trump appointed ministers from their rival political parties.
