Ida Odinga has called on Kenyans to support the broad-based government in the wake of criticism from a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders.
Speaking during a funeral ceremony in Uriri Constituency, Migori County, Ida urged Migori residents to take advantage of the few benefits in the arrangement between ODM Party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
“There is a small drizzle that we are witnessing currently; please take advantage of this season and sow your seeds without waiting for bigger rains,” Ida said in reference to benefits from the broad-based government.
Her sentiments were supported by Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, who hailed Raila for agreeing to work with Ruto despite their political differences.
Mature democracy
“Raila has done something that only happens in mature democracies. He recognised the need to cooperate and work in harmony out of respect and love for the people whose mandate he is exercising,” Ayacko said.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ equally urged support for the Ruto-Raila pact, noting that while this arrangement lasts, people should take advantage of the benefits it portends.
“There is a distinction between loyalty and sycophancy. Loyalty is a virtue, while sycophancy is a vice. We take our lessons from Raila Odinga. He has set aside his personal interests for the good of the nation,” Kajwang observed.
He, however, indicated that leaders should not feel intimidated to criticise the state for any wrongdoing it engages in.
“Raila is doing this for the good of our nation; we support the broad-based government because Kenya comes first. With that support, let us be loyal patriots and not sycophants; when things are not going right in government, we must call them out,” Kajwang added.
“We have challenges in the education sector and health sector, which we must speak against. Even Raila has spoken about abductions, and we must speak against it.”
ODM divisions
The remarks come at a time when the ODM Party is facing internal divisions about which direction to take regarding the working arrangement with Ruto.
Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna have come under sharp scrutiny over their unease with the arrangement and continued criticism of the government.
During the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard in Siaya, Ruto confronted Sifuna, advising him to go slow on his criticism lest he call a meeting to discipline him.
“Nimesikia Sifuna anaongea na nguvu. Wakati unaongea mambo yangu, Sifuna, ujue mimi ndio mwanzilishi wa ODM, so unaenda polepole kidogo,” Ruto said.
“Sisi ndio tulianza hii kitu. Na unajua ukinisukuma sana, nitaitisha mkutano ya founder members wa ODM… tukiitisha hiyo mkutano kukufanyia discipline, sisi ambao tulianza chama. So tuendeni mos mos.”
Loosely translated to: (I have heard Sifuna speak passionately. Please be measured when you speak about me because I was a founding member of ODM. When you push me against the wall, I may just convene a meeting to discuss how to discipline you.