Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s exit to the African Union leadership has brought about a huge debate both among the coalition members and among members from the ruling party.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has said that even if the Azimio leader leaves, he will not leave his political supporters as orphans.
He also said that there will be no political lacuna in the ODM party leadership as some politicians have speculated.
Raila, last week on Wednesday, announced that he is interested in being elected the chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Since he declared interest, speculations have been high as some people cast doubt on the future of the ODM party.
They have hinted at a political paradigm shift in the party’s perceived political strongholds, especially Nyanza, Western and Coast regions.
It is against this backdrop that the Embakasi MP dismissed the claims that the entry of Raila into the AU leadership will leave a vacuum in the party and Kenyan opposition politics.
The MP argued that they will ensure that opposition MPs play their oversight role against the government effectively.
“I pray for our leader Raila to succeed in his AU bid. But this shouldn’t be misconstrued by Kenya Kwanza regime that they will joyride because we’ll always stand firm to put it on toes,” Owino said.
Speaking during the burial of philanthropist Bernard Onyango Owen at Gendia village in Karachuonyo constituency, Owino argued that the influence of Raila will not wane in Kenya even if he goes to AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“Those who think we’ll remain orphans are daydreaming. ODM party will remain strong and champion for the rights of Kenyans,” he said.
He was in the company of Homa Bay woman rep Joyce Osogo, Karachunyo MP Adipo Okuome and Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya.
Homa Bay County has set a precedent in Nyanza where all MPs and the governor get elected on ODM tickets since 2013.
This has been replicated in Migori, Kisumu and Siaya counties where governors, senators, women representatives and majority MPs were elected on ODM tickets.
“The success of ODM in securing many seats is attributed to Raila’s good leadership. We’ll continue rallying Kenyans to vote only ODM candidates and therefore there wouldn’t be any vacuum,” Owino added.
Osogo said Raila’s ambition to join the AU Commission should not be perceived as a situation that will make them politically vulnerable.
She argued that they support Raila’s move to the AU Commission, adding that it is wrong for anybody to call them political orphans.
The leaders maintained that they will ensure continued ODM membership registration to strengthen the party.
By Matildah Obaigwa
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