The ODM party allies have now sort to rebrandtheir party and leader ahead of the 2022 general election.
According to Siaya Senator James Orengo, Governor Cornel Rasanga and other party leaders said that the ODM party will continue to push for change and accountable leadership under their leader Raila Odinga.
Whiloe addressing Kakamega residents he said that the former Prime Minister has huge following across the country and would win the election to become the country’s fifth president.
In his statement he said, “We are rebranding our party leader to contest on an ODM ticket in 2022.”
Mr Orengo was speaking at the burial of the mother-in-law of former Gem MP Joe Donde in Ikolomani.
He further added saying, “Let us have a country that doesn’t care who is Kikuyu, Luo, Kamba, Luhya or Kalenjin.” adding that nothing bars Mr Odinga from contesting the presidency in the next General Election.
The senator said the party and its leader were focused on fixing the agenda Mr Odinga has set with the President —- fighting corruption, reforming the electoral systems and uniting the country under the Building Bridges Initiative.
“For the Israelites to reach Canaan, they had to pass through Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments that would guide them in Canaan and that is what we are striving to achieve. We must have guiding principles so that Kenya will remain peaceful and earn respect on the global radar. We want a country where leaders can be held accountable for their misdeeds,” added Mr Orengo.
Also speaking at the gathering was Mr Oburu, Raila’s younger brother, who hailed his brother terming him as best placed to be the next president.
He further added saying, “Members should remain firm and desist from empty talks because Mr Odinga is still there.”
Even though he had initially said he won’t engage in politics at the funeral, Mr Oburu said Mr Odinga had not accomplished his goal of leading Kenyans to Canaan.
Mr Rasanga said Mr Odinga had not retired from active politics and still had another chance to contest in 2022.
James Orengo
“Kenyans need change and an accountable government after they shed blood in the fight for good governance. The war is still on until we shall win,” he said.
In the build up to 2017 General Election, Mr Odinga signed a deal with Wiper party Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi of ANC and Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya that was to see Mr Musyoka carry the opposition flag to the ballot in 2022.
The debate is certain to create conflict within ODM because Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho who are Mr Odinga’s deputy party leaders in the party have also expressed their interests in the 2022 presidency.
Mr Oparanya said his eyes were fixed on the presidency and nothing will stop him.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said every member of the party has a right to contest for any elective seat.
“As a party, we embrace democracy and give equal opportunity to all members,” said Mr Sifuna.
He said all members who are seeking to run for the presidency will be subjected to a nomination process.
“Whoever will win at the nomination stage will be given the mandate to fly the party flag to the ballot,” said Mr Sifuna.