Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga convened a meeting on Monday with governors aligned with the coalition representing the Lake Region Economic Block.
Sharing his thoughts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Odinga described the gathering as “a highly productive meeting where we assessed the significant advancements in devolution achieved over the past decade.”
Accompanied by a photo featuring him alongside governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Simba Arati (Kisii), James Orengo (Siaya), Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Odinga emphasized, “More must be done to secure the future of devolution.”
The Lake Region Economic Bloc is one of Kenya’s six adopted economic blocs, encompassing 14 counties around Lake Victoria and its vicinity, namely: Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, and Vihiga.
Odinga’s meeting followed closely on the heels of his ODM party’s expulsion of five members perceived as rebels.
These five individuals, namely MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix ‘Jalang’o’ Odiwuor (Lang’ata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, were ousted last Wednesday.
They faced accusations of breaching the ODM party’s constitution and the Political Parties Act of 2011 by openly affiliating with and endorsing the activities of a rival political faction, as well as opposing the lawful decisions made by party organs.
Addressing Migori County ODM delegates during a meeting on Friday, Odinga underscored the importance of unity and discipline within the party for its strength.
Odinga chastised the five members for what he deemed as a betrayal of the party and challenged them to resign from their elective positions, seeking fresh mandates from the electorate under new party banners.
In response, Caroli Omondi has expressed his intention to contest the expulsion in court, asserting on Sunday that he was representing the will of his constituents by engaging with the President to advocate for development initiatives.
