Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has issued a strong warning to his party members, urging them not to pursue government appointments. This statement reinforces his earlier stance and highlights ongoing concerns regarding governance and accountability in Kenya.
Odinga’s warning follows a statement from Edwin Sifuna, ODM’s Secretary General, affirming that the party has not endorsed any of its members for the upcoming cabinet appointments. Sifuna’s announcement underscores the party’s collective position against individual members seeking such positions independently. Odinga echoed this sentiment, clarifying that he has not submitted any names to the President for cabinet roles.
The ODM leader’s caution is rooted in broader political and social concerns. Odinga emphasized that there are pressing issues that need to be addressed before any form of engagement with the government is considered. These concerns were articulated in a statement issued on Friday, which outlined seven critical issues that the government must address. These include halting threats against Gen-Z demonstrators, compensating families of Kenyans killed by police during protests, and releasing arrested political protesters unconditionally.
Odinga’s demands also encompass dropping all pending charges against protesters, halting abductions and extrajudicial killings, and prosecuting police officers involved in such acts. Additionally, he called for a stop to the reappointment of dismissed Cabinet Secretaries. These demands reflect a broader call for accountability and justice, resonating with the ongoing protests and grievances voiced by various groups, including the Gen-Z movement.
The ODM leader’s solidarity with the Gen-Z protesters is a notable aspect of his position. Odinga stressed that both the party and the coalition support the issues raised by the protesters, which aim to address longstanding governance challenges. He highlighted that these issues align with the causes the ODM has historically championed, including during last year’s Maandamano protests.
In light of these ongoing challenges, Odinga proposed a national convention as a platform to address these issues comprehensively. He emphasized that the convention would focus on implementing solutions from over 26 reports generated since Kenya’s independence, rather than producing new reports. This approach aims to tackle the high cost of living, unemployment, corruption, and other governance issues effectively.
Odinga also pointed to procurement and revenue collection as significant sources of corruption that have contributed to Kenya’s economic and political crises. He lamented the resurgence of these problems, which were previously mitigated during the Government of National Unity under President Mwai Kibaki’s administration. The ODM leader’s call for a national convention reflects a desire to rectify these issues and implement the recommendations from past reports.
The proposed convention is intended to be inclusive, recognizing Kenya’s diverse population and ensuring that all voices are heard. Odinga’s commitment to addressing the grievances of various groups, including health workers and those affected by high taxation and educational costs, underscores his broader vision for national reform.
In summary, Raila Odinga’s recent statements and warnings against ODM members joining the government highlight his commitment to addressing critical governance issues and ensuring accountability within the Kenyan political landscape. His call for a national convention represents a significant step towards finding lasting solutions to the country’s persistent challenges, reflecting his ongoing dedication to the principles of justice and equitable governance.
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