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Jubilee party has threatened to exit the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.

Jubilee Party Members of Parliament have said they will walk out of the political formation if one of their own will not be allowed to sit in the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

They are now demanding one of the three positions set aside for the minority in the commission.

This is after Senate minority whip Fatuma Dullo’s name was removed from the list and replaced by Nyamira Senator Okongo Omugeni.

Dullo was Wednesday kicked out of the nominees to the PSC by the minority in the Senate.

The decision was endorsed by the Senate, with some members accusing her of being gullible and nominating herself to the commission without the knowledge of the leadership.

Conmanship

Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere who was flanked by 10 other Jubilee MPs on Thursday said most of their members were disgruntled by how they have been treated in the coalition, even during the formation of committees in parliament.

Korere noted that Jubilee was not coerced to join ODM in Azimio and should their mebers be mistreated in the coalition, they will leave willingly.

This, she said, is because they have experienced firsthand the conmanship, politics of deceit, and political banditry by their brothers in Azimio.

Parliamentary group meeting

Eldas MP Adan Keynan said they will be holding a parliamentary group meeting to chart a way forward.

He asked the Azimio leadership to fast track the issue, call for a meeting and allow Jubilee to nominate a candidate to the PSC.

The Azimio coalition has struggled to fill the few positions available to them with Jubilee first proposing Sirisa MP John Waluke to the commission.

However, his name was removed from the final list presented to parliament.

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Homa Bay Town MP George Peter Kaluma has lost his father Mzee Stanely Aluma Omolo.

This was announced by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) through the party’s official Twitter account.

“We commiserate with the family, friends and relatives of Hon. @gpdkaluma following the death of his father Mzee Alima. May the family find peace and God’s fortitude during this difficult time,” tweeted ODM.

The ODM party did not, however, reveal the cause of the death of Kaluma’s father.

More to follow….

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Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has yet again been thrown into deep mourning following the death of the wife to one of the party’s members of parliament.

Just a day after the orange party lost Rabai Member of parliament William Kamoti Mwamkale to a road crash, the same has claimed the life of Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi’s wife.

Reports indicate that Stella Memusi died in a grisly accident along the Athi River- Namanga Road on Tuesday morning.

Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi's wife Stella.

According to Kajiado County Commander Muthuri Mwongera, the accident happened when the vehicle that Stella was travelling in rammed into a lorry.

Mwongera while confirming the incident noted that the vehicle’s driver sustained serious injuries during the incident and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital.

Stella died on the spot.

This comes just a day after the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga attended the burial of Kamoti who died just after being cleared by IEBC to defend his Rabai seat.

“It’s with shock and sadness that we as @TheODMparty have received the news of the untimely death of our MP for Rabai, Hon. William Kamoti, shortly after presenting his nomination papers to @IEBCKenya. We stand with the people of Rabai. Rest in Peace Hon. Kamoti,” ODM posted on Monday.

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has his own style of mourning high-profile people in the country. Or is he?

Well, if you reflect at all the funerals of the high-profile people Kenya has lost, you must have noticed a black flywhisk that the former Prime Minister carries around and waves in the air several times whenever he is viewing the deceased’s body.

When former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa died in the year 2003, Raila arrived in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County donning luo traditional regalia, armed with a spear and his magical black flywhisk.

Bukusu rites rekindle 2013 fete
ODM leader Raila Odinga during the funeral of the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa. Picture/Courtesy

In 2014 during the funeral of the then Homa Bay County Senator Otieno Kajwang, Raila lifted his black flywhisk.

We saw it again in 2020 during the funeral of the second president of the Republic of Kenya Mzee Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi.

Raila MOURNED Hon Kajwang' in STYLE, with all the TOP honors BEFITTING a  Luo Ker
ODM leader Raila Odinga during the funeral of the late Otieno Kajwang. Picture/Courtesy

When Raila arrived at Parliament buildings to view the late President Moi’s body, he ceremoniously pulled out his black flywhisk, removed his cowboy hat and looked at the body for a few seconds before waving the flywhisk in slow motion six times over the body.

VIDEO: How Raila Mourned Moi Vs Jaramogi to Kenyatta
ODM leader Raila Odinga while viewing the late President Daniel Moi’s body. Picture/Courtesy

And have you seen the same happen during the late President Emilio Mwai Kibaki’s funeral? Well, when the ODM leader arrived at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday April 29, 2022, he was carrying his black flywhisk.

Deputy President, William Ruto And Raila Odinga Shake Hands At The Funeral  Ceremony Of Former President Mwai Kibaki At Nyayo Stadium | Bounce Nation
Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto at Nyayo National Stadium for the late President Mwai Kibaki’s funeral service. Picture/Courtesy

On Saturday April 30, 2022, Raila landed at Othaya Boys High School in Othaya in the company of his wife Mama Ida Odinga while carrying the black flywhisk in his hands.

Just before they left Othaya Boys High School for the funeral service of the late President Mwai Kibaki at his Othaya home, Raila waved his flywhisk in the air befotre entering his car that took him to the event.

But what is the meaning of all these?

According to the Luo Council of Elders chairperson Willis Otondi who spoke to the media in 2020 during the funeral of the late President Moi, the whisk is only given to selected elders in the community.

Known is Orengo in the luo language, the whisk is a symbol of peace and whenver Raila lifts it at the funerals, he calls for calmness.

The elder explained that the orengo is a status symbol and only a certain cadre of elders are allowed to carry it.

For instance, the whisk is believed to have magical power that is transferred to whoever inherits it.

Whenever it is lifted like Raila does at the funerals of the high-profile people, it shows respect from the entire generation.

The late Otieno Kajwang also used to carry the whisk around and it was believed to be having some magical powers.

Revealed: The magic Otieno Kajwang' did with his fly whisk
The late Otieno Kajwang. Picture/Courtesy

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Just days after businessman Suleiman Shahbal bowed out of the Mombasa gubernatorial race, details of how President Uhuru’s hand played a role in the decision have emerged.

Shahbal last week shocked many when he announced that he had dropped his governor bid in support of Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir.

While making the announcement, he said that he had reached the decision after thoughtful consideration of the needs and aspirations of the people of Mombasa, long deliberations with ODM party leader Raila Odinga and advice from the chair of Azimio la Umoja Coalition, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Details have, however, emerged that Shahbal had rejected calls to step down in favor of Abdulswamad.

This is even after Raila made several attempts to convince him, including chairing a meeting with him in Nairobi.

According to sources that spoke to one of the leading local dailies, Raila made a phone call to President Kenyatta to seek his intervention.

It is President Kenyatta together with Raila who then reportedly told Shahbal that his hardline stance had created divisions among ODM supporters.

They urged him to step down given that three opinion polls had shown Nassir was ahead.

Shahbal found himself between the sitting president and the possibly incoming president, leaving him with no option.

Meanwhile, Shahbal has accepted an offer to join Raila’s Presidential campaign team.

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Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala has threatened to dump the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) should the coalition associate itself with ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The vocal lawmaker told off the former Premier to cease from deceiving other leaders for his own benefits.

Speaking while addressing locals in Bungoma town during the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) people’s tour of the the Western region on Friday November 26, 2021, Malala urged other leaders to refuse the mind games played by Raila.

The first time senator noted that Raila’s political game ends up benefitting him and his people alone.

Malala’s rant comes days after Raila attended the Wiper party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) at the Kasarani Gymnasium where Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was endorsed as the party’s flag bearer in the coming 2022 general elections.

Malala noted that in 2017, Western Kenya leaders united to support NASA whose flag bearer was Raila, who then went into a political marriage with President Kenyatta through the famous March 2018 handshake without consulting his co-principals.

The lawmaker argued that Raila was given Kshs. 250 billion to build up his supporters, but he instead went ahead to use the money for his own benefit.

“I want Wetangula, Mudavadi and Kalonzo to learn a lesson from Raila after he went into agreement with President Kenyatta he forgot about NASA issues,” he said.

According to Malala, Raila used the alleged funds to build his Kisumu region, neglecting the western region.

He warned that OKA supporters would defect to other alliances should the coalition bring the Orange party on board.

“If you are going to unite independently as One Kenya Alliance (OKA) we are going to support you but if you are going to include ODM then we promise to decamp,” he said.

In presence was the Bungoma senator Moses Masika Wetangula who noted that people should have faith in One Kenya Alliance for it is the one going to form the next government in 2022.

Wetang’ula further noted that OKA will not betray Kenyans but instead bring equity, employment and change
among Kenyans.

Also present during the OKA tour of the Bungoma County was ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, his KANU counterpart Gideon Moi, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and former Presidential aspirant Cyrus Jirongo.

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  • Wanjigi who is hoping to put up a competitive battle against the former Prime Minister for the ODM party presidential flag-bearer position  is demanding that the party follows its constitution in the nomination process to ensure fairness.
  • The billionaire further threatened to withdraw his contribution to the Orange party.
  • Wanjigi has been accused of setting up ODM branches around the country without consulting the national office.

Billionaire businessman-cum politician Jimmi Wanjigi has threatened to ditch Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if his demands will not be met.

Wanjigi who is hoping to put up a competitive battle against the former Prime Minister for the ODM party presidential flag-bearer position  is demanding that the party follows its constitution in the nomination process to ensure fairness, failure to which he would quit ODM.

The billionaire further threatened to withdraw his contribution to the Orange party.

“Why would I stay in a party that does not follow its own laid down rules? I will not. I can assure you that the party will have big problems. You know, we have also invested heavily in this party,” he stated.

Wanjigi’s quest to run for presidency on ODM has been received differently by members of the party. While others have supported his bid, some have deemed the moved as rebellion towards the former Prime Minister.

Wanjigi has been accused of setting up ODM branches around the country without consulting the national office.

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Deputy President William Ruto has on Saturday 16, 2021 continued to invite his political rival, ODM leader Raila Odinga, to the hustler narrative faction.

While addressing residents at a rally in Kongowea market in Mombasa County, Ruto said that there have been a paradigm shift in the political discourse in the country.

Ruto boasted that his ultimate aim of bettering the lives of the downtrodden in the society has shifted Raila’s focus in politics.

“When we told our competitors that political debate in Kenya will take a paradigm shift, they did not believe us. Today they have all accepted that we must focus as a country in empowering hustlers and improving the economy,” he said.

According to Ruto, Raila is now popularizing policies akin to those he champions for through his bottom-up economic model, an economic model he says is aimed at supporting SMEs.

The DP however criticized the ODM leader accusing him of pushing a short-term solutions to the problems facing the small business sector.

He stated that Rail’s Sh. 6,000 offer as monthly stipend to the youth is not only unsustainable but also re-introduction of trickle down economic approach.

He continued to take a swipe at Raila that the ODM supremo has continued with the culture of handouts that has left a section of Kenyans self-insufficient and over dependent on political class.

Ruto said Raila has succumbed to pressure and is now speaking about growing the economy. ” welcome him to hustler narrative bandwagon but he should avoid propagating the hand out culture. Hustlers need money to support their businesses and to improve their lives, not hand outs,” he said.

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ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday October 15, 2021 brought Eldoret town to a standstill as a mammoth crowd came to welcome him.

The former premier is currently on a tour of the Rift Valley region that has been perceived to be Deputy President William Ruto’s backyard.

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Raila started his tour with an engagement with leaders drawn from counties of the North and South Rift.

Hosted by Elgeyo Marakwet Alex Tolgos and other notable leaders, the 2022 presidential candidate sought to woo residents and leaders of the region that massively voted for him in 2007.

Raila sought to distance himself from the accusations that he abandoned the region after he entered the grand coalition government with the retired president Mwai Kibaki.

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In his 2022 promises to the region, the ODM leader promised to revive defunct industries and factories that used the economy of the greater Rift Valley region.

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ODM leader Raila Odinga has finally broken his silence on the Pandora papers expose that revealed the secret wealth that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family has allegedly hidden in offshore accounts.

Speaking during an interview with Chamgei FM on Wednesday October 6, 2021, the former Prime Minister come defended President Kenyatta, noting that having an offshore account is not illegal so long as the owners explain how they opened it.

Raila said while he doesn’t have offshore accounts, it is acceptable for Kenyans who can explain the money in such accounts.

He added that the focus should not be on the account but how the money was obtained.

“Hii ni mambo ya Pandora box. Sioni kama kuna shida kuwa na account kule nje bora unaweza kusema jinsi ulifungua account vile Uhuru amesema atasema zaidi atakapo rudi (On pandora box issue, I do not see if there is a problem having an offshore account as long as you can explain how you opened it the same way President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that he will explain more once he returns to the country) ,” Raila said.

“Mimi sina chochote huko nje, yangu iko Kenya ( I don’t have any wealth outside the country, mine is okay),” declared the ODM leader.

Raila was commenting about the recently leaked International Consortium of Investigative Journalist’s (ICIJ) Pandora box expose which alleged that Uhuru and six members of his family have massive secret wealth stashed in foreign accounts.

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Business man and presidential candidate Jimmy Wanjigi has launched attacks at ODM leader Raila Odinga saying that he should come out to confirm if he will run for presidency in 2022.

He condemned those who are opposed to his move to open ODM offices saying that he is marketing the party at the grassroots yet some people are fighting him. The business man also emphasized that he will not leave ODM saying that he has invested a lot in the party and expects free and fair primaries.

While speaking in Mombasa, he urged ODM leadership to carry out genuine elections to identify real members in the party. He said Raila cannot be an umpire, player, the referee, the lines man and the VAR. He should announce his candidature and face all other interested candidates within the party law,” said Wanjigi.

ODM’s Central Committee on Wednesday threatened to take a disciplinary action against members planning to open branch offices in the grassroots without consulting the national office. This seemed to be a response to Jimmy Wanjigi after his move of opening offices in Central region.

ODM’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said anyone willing to open the offices should consult the national office, failure to do so attracts a disciplinary action. Sifuna’s response came days after the Registrar of Political Parties acknowledge receiving a letter from Wanjigi seeking that the part summarizes the presidential nomination process.

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ODM’s Central Committee on Wednesday threatened to take disciplinary action against members planning to open branch offices without consulting the national office. The committee claimed that it had received many reports over opening of offices across the country, perhaps in Jimmy Wanjigi’s move.

ODM’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna issued a statement that anyone willing to open a branch office should consult the national office failure to do so, such offices will not be recognized. He reminded members that such brazen violation of their rules will attract disciplinary action.

Wanjigi began opening offices in Mt. Kenya two months ago after declaring his interest in the presidency. This statement from Sifuna comes a few days after the Registar of Political Parties acknowledged receiving a letter from Wanjigi seeking that the party summarizes the presidential nomination process.

A month ago, Wanjigi wrote to ODM demanding certified list of party delegates who are to attend the National Delegates Convention. The committee resolved to extend free membership registration for ordinary members that was September 30 to December 31. The Central Committee advised party leaders at the grassroots to go back to their respective areas to coordinate and support voter registration.

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Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued an official statement hours after presidential hopeful Jimmy Wanjigi was pelted with stones while on his tour of Migori.

Wanjigi who has declared his interest in 2022 presidency is in Nyanza trying to popularize himself ahead of the ODM presidential nominations.

Wanjigi is battling it out with Raila for the ODM presidential ticket.

He kicked off his tour of Nyanza region on Thursday September 16, with his motorcade heading to Migori on Friday but they met a harsh crowd.

While addressing a crowd in Migori town, some people started throwing stones at him, forcing him to flee, aborting his meeting.

It is believed that a section of ODM delegates had accused Wanjigi of desrespecting the O boss Raila.

Wanjigi was met with jeers and heckling as he tried to address the crowd.

However, ODM in a statement issued by its director of campaigns Junet Mohamed has distanced itself from the chaos.

Junet in an official statement posted via ODM social media accounts said that they have worked hard to create an environment where everyone can sell their policies across the country.

He noted that the sponsors of political chaos in Migori are known, adding that he has also been a victim in numerous occasions.

Junet further called on the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.

He also urged polity aspirants to respect government public order that suspended gatherings to curb the spread of COVID-19.

ODM secretary General Edwin Sifuna has also noted that he has been in contact with the ODM Migori office to establish the cause of the chaos, subsequent to which he will issue a full briefing on the same.

“My office is in contact with the @TheODMparty office in Migori for a full brief on reported cases of violence targeted at one of our members Mr. Jimmy Wanjigi. I have also tried to reach Mr. Wanjigi on phone to confirm he is OK. Full brief to follow,” Sifuna posted.

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally exited the National Super Alliance (NASA).

The move comes just days after Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Movement formerly exited the coalition that was used by ODM leader Raila Odinga to contest for presidency during the 2017 general elections.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in a statement disclosed that the Orange party held a meeting on Thursday, July 29, and made the resolution to quit the NASA relationship.

ODM held a National Executive Committee meeting to deliberate on, among other things, the party’s 2022 presidential candidate.

According to Sifuna, ODM intends to embark on a programme to build new partnerships. The party will also extend the ongoing talks with its potential partners to the grassroots.

Sifuna added that the party deliberated on the future and its need to build new partnerships.

“To this end regional meetings and engagements have been planned with like-minded parties,” he concluded.

The coalition agreement between the partners indicates that NASA would cease to exist if at least three constituent parties formally exit. 

NASA coalition has faced challenges since 2018 due to mistrust among the parties and competing interests among; Wiper Democratic Movement, ODM, ANC and Ford Kenya parties.

Early this week, the former Prime Minister agreed to share political parties’ funds after four years of a standoff.

Despite all this, Kalonzo has ruled out playing second fiddle to anyone in the next year’s polls despite ODM unveiling the cash. 

At a press conference Monday, Kalonzo revealed that Raila had written a letter informing them of the decision to share the party’s millions.

Raila and Kalonzo have had an on-and-off relationship over the years since 2002.

They teamed up when the late President Daniel Moi endorsed Uhuru Kenyatta for the top seat and left Kanu to support retired President Mwai Kibaki under the Liberal Democratic Party, then an affiliate of Narc—the coalition that decisively defeated Kanu.

As the 2007 general election approached, the two went separate ways, with Raila seeking the presidency on the ODM ticket as Kalonzo flew the ODM Kenya’s flag. ODM Kenya rebranded into Wiper Democratic Party.

Election results were disputed leading to the formation of the Grand Coalition government, with Raila serving as Prime Minister and Kalonzo as Vice President.

The two did not see eye to eye for the better part of the coalition government.

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Bosire

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) national treasurer Timothy Bosire’s wife Jane Bosire is dead.

The Orange party on Wednesday July 21, 2021 announced that the former Kitutu Masaba lawmaker’s wife passed on while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital on Tuesday night.

“We are saddened by the news of the death of Ma’am Jane Bosire, wife to our National Treasurer Hon. @TimothyMEBosire last night at a Nairobi Hospital. As a party, we join in the pain that out National Treasurer & family are going through now & pray to God to grant them fortitude,” ODM tweeted.

Leaders among them Kisii Governor James Ongwae have mourned the late Jane.

“On behalf of the people of Kisii county, my family & myself, I convey sincere condolences to ODM treasurer Hon Timothy Bosire ‘Riroba’ for the loss of your dear wife Jane. May God comforts you, your entire family and Kitutu Masaba people as you mourn your beloved Jane,” Ongwae wrote.

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The Jubilee-ODM merger deal that could lead to an Uhuru-Raila 2022 coalition will have to wait longer after the ruling party suspended any coalitions talks with the Orange party.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee had kicked off coalition talks with Raila Odinga’s ODM to take on Deputy President William Ruto in the next general election.

However, the ruling party which has suffered losses in the recent by-elections in the country has decided to halt the merger plan to focus on revamping ahead of 2022.

According to reports, a crisis meeting of the Jubilee secretariat and MPs on Monday July 19 agreed to suspend the proposed deal with Raila over systemic challenges that could hurt the process.

Jubilee Party deputy secretary-general Joshua Kutuny who spoke to a local daily said that while the decision does not mean a total halt to the coalition plans, it will usher in fresh timeliness.

It has now emerged that the agenda dominated the meeting that was attended by at least 16 MPs, despite not being mentioned at a joint presser made on Monday.

It was resolved that it would be unhealthy for Jubilee to proceed with coalition talks with ODM at a time when it is battling internal revolt.

According to Jubilee joint secretary for the parliamentary group Adan Keynan, the party will instead focus on reorganising, restructuring and revamping its structures before entering into a coalition agreement.

The MP said given that DP Ruto’s camp had left for UDA, the loyal members whom he said are the majority will stabilise Jubilee.

Raila’s ODM had said it was focused on its coalition plans with Jubilee despite the ruling party’s loss in last week’s Kiambaa parliamentary by-election that was won by UDA.

United Democratic Alliance candidate Njuguna Wanjiku got 21, 773 votes to capture the seat, beating Jubilee’s Karuri Njama who garnered 21,263 votes.

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