Junet, Joho Meet Raila After Skipping Azimio Rallies

Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday, February 7, held a consultative meeting with deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho in Nairobi. 

According to a statement shared by ODM Party, the meeting touched on, among other issues, the planned public rallies called for by members of the Azimio la Umoja coalition. 

Also present in the meeting was the Minority Whip in the National Assembly Junet Mohammed who alongside Joho conspicuously missed Azimio rallies.

From Left: Minority Whip in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed, Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, ODM Leader Raila Odinga and Former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho during a meeting held at a Nairobi Hotel on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

ODM

The trio had lunch together on Tuesday afternoon at a Nairobi hotel, before sharing photos on social media.

Odinga affirmed that the party was still intact and allayed fears over a possible fallout within the opposition party. 

“Had a refreshing lunch with my brothers. We are steady!” Odinga stated. 

“Party Leader ⁦Raila Odinga⁩ this afternoon held a meeting with his deputies ⁦Wycliffe Oparanya⁩ and ⁦Hassan Ali Joho⁩ at a Nairobi Hotel where they discussed party matters and the ongoing People’s Consultative Forums by the Azimio la Umoja. ⁦Junet Mohamed⁩ was present,” ODM stated in an earlier statement.

The meeting came days after the coalition threatened to take action against members who deliberately kept off the planned rallies.

Despite their active role in the campaigns preceding the August 2022 election, Junet and Joho had taken a back seat in the coalition’s affairs which left outsiders guessing their move.

The two had found themselves in a difficult situation after a section of Azimio members blamed them for the coalition’s loss. 

Odinga was facing an apparent herculean task as a section of the coalition’s members announced plans to work with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.

On Tuesday, February 7, ODM released a statement denouncing a section of its members who held a meeting with President William Ruto at State House. 

ODM termed the move self and a betrayal of the party’s ideals at a time its leader had vowed not to recognize the legitimacy of the Ruto-led government.

A section Jubilee party members had also declared their intention to work with the government of the day after a similar meeting with Ruto at State House.

In particular, nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege was on record vowing not to join her fellow members in the protest rallies. 

President William Ruto (centre) and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua (third from right) pose with nine ODM Mps at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

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Ahmednasir Abdullahi