Raila: ODM will challenge Ruto in 2027 elections

ODM leader Raila Odinga and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir joined with Muslim faithful at the annual Mombasa Governor's Eid Baraza at Treasury Square, Mombasa with him. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard] Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday declared ODM party will field a presidential candidate in the next elections. Raila said this yesterday during the Mombasa Governor's Eid Baraza at Treasury Square which was attended by top area leaders, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho. "When election comes in 2027, ODM will field its presidential candidate," said Raila, as party leaders tore into former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi following his outburst against the leadership of President William Ruto. Raila, however, defended the decision by ODM to work with Kenya Kwanza government saying it was meant to unite Kenyans and create a conducive atmosphere for development. He said ODM was co-operating with the government to create a conducive atmosphere for peace but insisted that will not stop the party from fielding a presidential candidate in 2027. The ODM party leader said there was need for unity and peace for a country to develop, insisting the cooperation with the government was not betrayal as other people believe. "Kenya is more important than individuals and that is why Kenyans must unite and work together, and doing so is not betrayal," Raila said. "ODM is not cooperating with the government to betray Kenyans but to foster peace and create a conducive atmosphere for development until the election in 2027," he added. He faulted Kenya Kwanza government for not addressing corruption in the country saying Kenyans wanted a country free from the vice. The former premier also asked legislators to respect the Constitution and ensure the devolved governments are working. He urged Parliament to ensure that county governments get the Sh460 billion allocation. Raila also urged the government to improve health services. "Kenya is more important than individuals. Kenyans must unite and work together," said Odinga. During the meeting, a section of ODM legislators challenged Muturi to table evidence against the government over corruption claims. The MPs advised Muturi to furnish such evidence to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for a probe. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir described Muturi's claims as unsubstantiated and a matter that should be ignored. Nassir termed Muturi's sentiments as "shameful and ironic" as he used to praise the administration when he was in government but is only lamenting after things went south for him. He asked MPs to raise Muturi's claims in Parliament as a substantive Motion for discussion. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed dismissed Muturi's accusations as "baseless," claiming they are part of an attempt to remain politically relevant after being dropped from the Cabinet. Junet also reignited concerns over the inflated costs of the Bunge Tower project, demanding that Muturi explains how the project's budget ballooned from Sh6 billion to Sh27 billion during his tenure as speaker.

Raila: ODM will challenge Ruto in 2027 elections

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Raila: ODM will challenge Ruto in 2027 elections

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