- Virtually, Raila has been in every government, either by default or design since 1997, but he has nothing to show for the Busia residents.
- Instead, he has takes available opportunities to Bondo. He also has proven to those people and Luhyas that he is greedy.
Image: EMOJONG OSERE
Raila Odinga, also known as Baba, has been the darling of the Busia electorate for more than a decade. The residents have overwhelmingly voted for him passionately in the last three consecutive elections to such an extent the county has assumed the tag “Orange county.” However, it seems he has decided to abuse the goodwill of those electorate and its leaders.
Recently, he and his entourage toured the county to launch an ODM recruitment drive. Ironically, the party turned the rally to demonisation campaign against Governor Paul Otuoma and other elected leaders who “seem” tolerant to the current President William Ruto regime. They were labelled as “traitors.”
One does not expect a statesman of Raila's calibre to use a public podium to belittle Otuoma in front of his people. The governor spent money and sleepless nights during the last general election to ensure the Busia electorate delivered their votes to his presidential bid.
It now appears the ODM leader, who has perfected the politics of 'use and dump', has already forgotten the usefulness of the governor and his people. Otuoma has been very inclusive in his Cabinet and offered lucrative portfolios to Luos. It is in Busia county where Luo are MCAs. Let’s reason together Kenyans: Can a non-Luo be voted as an MCA in Bondo when Raila is alive?
Baba should be reminded that the country is four years away to the 2027 election, and just like any other county, Busia people need development. And for development to be realised, leaders must work closely with President Ruto.
If the governor stops attending the head of state's meetings in the county, definitely he will not have the opportunity to express and/or request for projects that can uplift his people from abject poverty.
Virtually, Raila has been in every government, either by default or design since 1997, but he has nothing to show for the Busia residents. Instead, he has takes available opportunities to Bondo. He also has proven to those people and Luhyas that he is greedy.
It is barbaric that the 'Father of the Nation' of Raila's cadre can work up a crowd to heckle Otuoma, leading to fight between supporters of warring parties. He perpetually confirms to Kenyans in his every move that he is egocentric with no clear agenda.
The first tour President Ruto made was in Homa Bay county, where Gladys Wanga is the governor. It is where the head of state launched affordable housing project first.
Surprisingly, Agwambo did not utter a single word to complain why his ODM stalwarts embraced the President's rallies in Homa Bay. But when it comes to the Busia governor, Raila’s narrow-minded praise singers label the leaderships in the county untrustworthy. It is time for the former PM to respect Busia and allow its leadership to deliver its campaign promises.
There have been mass defections from ODM/Azimio to the government, including Sospeter Ojaamong' and Florence Mutua, both who were officials in the party. Those are indications that Raila should tread carefully and handle his grassroots mobilisers like Otuoma and Mutua with respect, or else he will not get support in 2027.
The writer is an analyst