Oburu Odinga Hints at Raila Odinga’s 6th Stab at Presidency: “He’s Not Expired”

 

Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, who is also Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga's brother, has hinted at the former prime minister's sixth stab at the presidency. From left to right: Kalonzo Musyoka, Oburu Oginga, and Raila Odinga. Speaking in Homa Bay county during the funeral service of Mzee George Awino, the elder brother of the director of finance of the ODM party, Joshua Kawino, Oburu told those pushing for Raila's endorsement to stop the blackmail. "Raila is not expired. Raila is still strong. If Oburu, his brother, is this strong, then what about Raila, who is just a child who was just born yesterday?" Oburu posed.  Oburu's comments come two days after several Wiper leaders pushed Raila to endorse the former vice president to go head-to-head with President William Ruto. "The time for Raila to declare Kalonzo is now, and there is no argument about it," said Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo. How Raila reacted to Kalonzo's endorsement But in a quick rejoinder, Raila said: "I have not said that Kalonzo can't be president; I have only said that I come from far away with him. He has supported me, and I can do the same." Oburu further called out those in the opposition camp seeking the former prime minister's endorsement to run for the presidency in 2027, saying they should be ready to square it out with Raila for the ticket. The latest debate on the opposition presidential flagbearer in the 2027 polls is gathering pace, and it is now threatening to divide the Azimio camp. "You should not pressurise Raila to tell you that you are the one who is going to take over. Come talk to the people and convince them so that they can vote for you," said Oburu. How Raila has been pushed into a tight corner Homa Bay senator Moses Kajwang', who accompanied Oburu, said: "It is completely out of order for leaders in our coalition to continuously blackmail Raila and the ODM party. Everywhere Raila goes out of Luo land, you find people putting him in small corners and in small rooms that he should leave for them."  Oburu challenged those eyeing the Azimio ticket to throw their hats in the ring and face off with other candidates, including Raila. "So, just come out and compete. Let Raila also be on the ballot. Let us be democratic; let us select the best leader who will give us the leadership of this country instead of talking about it too early. Let us give everyone a chance, including Raila," Oburu added. Raila and Kalonzo's 2027 plans Earlier, Raila denied endorsing Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the 2027 presidency and clarified that he was praising the former vice president for his allegiance to him. On her part, Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua said she sees nothing wrong with Azimio La Umoja, One Kenya Coalition Party leader, endorsing Kalonzo ahead of the 2027 polls. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka insisted that his 2027 presidential bid is unstoppable. The leader of Azimio, Raila Odinga, has disclosed that he is not yet prepared to exit the political realm and will not be stepping down. 

by  Dennis Lubanga