By A, KNA
Members of the Bunge la Mwananchi, Migori county have come out strongly in support of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga, following remarks by Jubilee Party Vice Chair David Murathe urging him to exit the broad-based government ahead of the 2027 elections.
The members led by Robert Juma said they have witnessed visible development since Raila joined hands with the current administration, adding they were not ready to gamble with progress.
“We have benefited from the broad-based government, and we want to keep benefiting,” said Juma.
Murathe suggested that Raila must step away from the current government if he hopes to win Jubilee’s support in 2027, but that suggestion has stirred sharp reactions in Raila’s Nyanza stronghold.
The group warned that reigniting tensions between Raila and President William Ruto, reminiscent of past political rifts, could push the country back into instability and violence.
“We want to tell Murathe to stop issuing threats, and if he’s serious about leadership, let him vie for the Presidency himself instead of talking about Raila,” said Juma.
They instead praised the current cooperation between Raila and Ruto, citing tangible gains that Migori County has witnessed under the broad-based governance model.
Their statement comes in response to remarks made during Jubilee’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, chaired by party leader and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Jared Ritu said that Migori County has historically been a bedrock of support for Raila Odinga, and many local youths see his presence in the current government as a long-overdue bridge to national development.
The youth have vowed to continue backing Raila and warned politicians against using Migori as a political chessboard.
“We are not pawns of anyone because we as a people, know what is based in our party and for your party leader,” said Ritu.
