Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has come to the defence of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o amid growing criticism over their recent remarks concerning the emerging partnership between ODM and UDA.
Speaking during a public address, Raila urged leaders to stop faulting the two governors, insisting that they had committed no crime by expressing their views on the memorandum of understanding signed between the opposition and the ruling coalition.
“I don’t see the reason why people are bickering. When Mr James Orengo talks, he’s speaking on the basis of the MoU between ODM and UDA. He has not committed any crime. He has a democratic right to say what he wants. When Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o speaks about devolution, he’s talking the language of ODM,” Raila said.
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The remarks come amid backlash from Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who accused the two governors of political sabotage and blackmail. Critics argue that their recent comments undermine President Ruto’s agenda of promoting a broad-based and inclusive government.
Governor Orengo recently dismissed the ODM-UDA collaboration as an “abomination,” warning that such a partnership could damage the opposition’s credibility and associate it with the shortcomings of the current administration.
On his part, Governor Nyong’o criticized the national government for frustrating devolution, stating that state agencies such as the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA) were duplicating roles already assigned to counties.
Nyong’o’s comments sparked fresh debate on whether the government is genuinely committed to devolved governance. Raila, while supporting Nyong’o’s sentiments, reiterated that the spirit of devolution outlined in the MoU had yet to be fully realized.
“Devolution has not been implemented the way it should. That’s why people are not reaping its benefits. We have devolved responsibilities, but not the funds. Counties lack the financial muscle to execute their functions,” Raila said.
He further accused the national government of withholding critical resources, thereby crippling service delivery at the county level. The ODM leader challenged President Ruto’s administration to ensure that devolution is fully funded and empowered, arguing that only then will the country experience meaningful economic growth and development.