Raila Odinga downplays claims that the opposition could be on the verge of collapse over his Africa Union Commission chairperson (AU) bid.
Speaking in the Akala market in Siaya on Friday, the Azimio leader announced plans to continue with his efforts to strengthen the opposition.
Raila said Azimio and ODM will remain intact and will continue to carry the dream of the opposition as they had envisioned.
“Our dream is still alive. Let no one dupe you that I am going away. ODM and Azimio will continue,” he said.
As part of an effort to strengthen ODM, Raila said that he will lead a mass membership drive in the North Eastern region next week.
“We must come out in large numbers and register as members of ODM. This is the only way to make our party strong,” he said.
Unlike the past where the ODM leader went bare-knuckle in his attacks against President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza, his tone has changed and is more accommodating.
He claimed that they would work jointly with President Ruto to implement the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee report.
This comes even after MPs affiliated with Kenya Kwanza said that the appointment of Raila Odinga to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) would mark the end of opposition.
The legislators said the move would pave the way for the re-election of President William Ruto without hitch come 2027.
“In this case, Ruto’s re-election would be a walkover that will bring all communities together in his government,” said Machakos Town MP, Caleb Mule at the launch of Mutituni market built under the Economic Stimulus Programme.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga has also asked the national government to decentralize functions such as the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
“These infrastructural functions existed during the unitary system of government, but with devolution, I urge the national government to hand over these functions to counties to make it easier,” he said.
Raila, who emphasized the need to strengthen devolution, said monies going to the counties should be disbursed according to the current budget.
By Afrinews