Raila back to party politics to jumpstart ODM’s engine

By Standard on Sunday Team

Prime Minister Raila Odinga concentrated mostly on Government work following the formation of the Grand Coalition but he is back to party politics.

Sensing that his absence from party politics could lead to disintegration of ODM, Raila has, in the last two months, been in close touch with various regional leaders.

The move has breathed new life into the party and energised leaders, including MPs.

The PM has a date with the Turkana community in the New Year.

Under siege

The community led a delegation to the PM’s offices two weeks ago and demanded that he tours the region.

Their leaders had lamented that they were under siege from Pokot, Ugandan and Ethiopian raiders.

Raila’s new engagement in politics is in response to complaints that he had concentrated on Government work at the expense of party politics.

The first signal was the return of the Pentagon in November.

Since then, Raila has hosted the Pentagon regularly at his home for dinner.

Between November and this month, the Pentagon has met thrice. The PM has also regularly invited Pentagon members in crucial meetings with his many political contacts.

A month ago, Raila invited them to a private meeting with ANC leader Jacob Zuma at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Two days later, the PM and Pentagon members met with Zimbabwean Prime Minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai.

Raila now holds meetings with MPs, party leaders and supporters from across the country either at his Treasury offices or in private locations.

Lunches

Three weeks ago, he hosted pastoralist MPs to lunch and over 70 MPs showed up.

Raila has also reactivated his Wednesday lunches with MPs from various regions.

The PM has also hosted party supporters at either the Raila Odinga Centre or the Jaramogi Odinga Foundation offices, both in Upper Hill, mostly on Friday or Thursday afternoons.

As the year drew to a close, the PM sought to touch base with party supporters through thanksgiving parties and forays into party support bases.

The trend began at the Coast where he met his supporters and thanked them for backing him during last year’s presidential elections.

The November 21 rally was initially meant for the PM and Coast leaders but Raila decided that it be open to all ODM leaders.

He reiterated his stand that ODM won the 2007 presidential poll.

"We had an accident before the elections, but after the elections, we got into an even bigger accident," Raila said.

"It was an accident we never planned. But it happened. We began the year not knowing whether we will see the next day. It forced foreigners to come here and help us. So we said, even tomorrow is another day, and we let go off our victory," the PM said.

"What we ended up with is like two people in one bed sharing one small blanket."

He said ODM’s Kazi Ianze slogan fused with PNU’s Kazi iendelee, slowing things down.

"It was like adding a lot of water to what would have been good soup just so that it is enough for everyone. The quality of the soup goes down".

Raila was later to repeat the same remarks at the ODM delegates Conference at the Bomas of Kenya two weeks ago and earlier at his thanks giving party in Kibera.

Change

"We waste time asking who won the elections when we really know who won," ODM chairman Henry Kosgey said.

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang thanked the youth who stood up for the party.

Agriculture Minister WilliamRuto said the party still wants a new constitution, change and majimbo. "We stood on the platform of change. Please let’s use the chance we have to deliver what we can."

Mudavadi asked supporters to rally behind Raila to prepare for the next polls.

In Kericho a fortnight ago, the PM addressed supporters and councillors at the Kipsigis County Council Hall.

The feeling among some supporters that Raila may have to do more gained momentum after ODM missed the chance to chair the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitution Review. Ruto presented himself as a candidate against an earlier agreement.

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