Dr Ida Odinga, wife to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, with Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen at Lichota Airstrip In Migori on September 13, 2023, during the official launch of the first commercial flight from Migori to Nairobi by Skyward Express. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga to encourage ODM's elected leaders to cooperate with the government on development projects.

In a bid to deter the brewing discussions of fresh demonstrations, Mr Murkomen emphasised the importance of focusing on collaborative efforts to foster development.

Addressing the issue during the launch of commercial flights at Lichota Airstrip in Migori County, Murkomen requested Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko to engage in discussions with Raila to determine the way forward.

"If a consensus could be reached on development-related matters, it would pave the way for elected leaders to engage with the government, including meetings with the president," said the CS.

Murkomen cautioned the Azimio leader against intertwining politics with the pursuit of development, citing incidents where some ODM MP who had met with the president to discuss development issues faced disciplinary actions within the party.

"The focus should be on the well-being of our people and the development of our regions. Mixing politics with leaders seeking development is counter-productive," Murkomen said.

The Transport CS underscored the importance of providing clear guidance to ODM elected leaders on development-oriented initiatives.

He emphasized that such clarity would eliminate any confusion and help in fostering a more productive working relationship.

Murkomen extended his plea beyond Migori, calling on the entire country to embrace peace as a foundation for creating an enabling environment for business growth.

"I don't think it is necessary for people to go to maandamano that we saw the other day. There is absolutely nothing that people cannot talk about in this country," Murkomen said.

He was responding to Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed who, during the launch, said that if the bipartisan talks didn't go well, she would take a flight to Migori and demonstrate and take another flight to Mombasa for the same purpose.

"As a sober CS, kindly talk to your brothers and tell them the tongue is a razor and does not swallow words. But for us, we don't use the tongue but act," Ms Mohammed said.