Battle not over, says Raila as he vows to oversee regime

Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga yesterday rallied his troops to hold firm for another ride in stiff Opposition, promising to wedge war against some decisions made by President William Ruto in his nascent days as the country's fifth president.

A fired-up Raila who is keen to keep the flames of a vibrant Opposition and a battle 'for liberation' alive, said his battle to transform the country is still on. His allies ruled out Railas's chances of working with Ruto, signaling their intent to build a formidable Opposition. The ODM leader poked holes at Ruto's leadership promising to challenge what he described as impunity by the new regime.

Raila retreated to his Nyanza backyard to recharge his political batteries and rally a region that has been steadfast behind his political positions for several years to join the train to keep the government in check. And although the region is still reeling from the shock of his election loss, the ODM chief gave his intention of continuing with the battle to oversee the Government and stay active in the scene.

Speaking during the burial of Mama Jane Mwai, mother of his aide John Andiwo in Nyamira village, Bondo sub-county, the former Premier said his victory was stolen for the fifth time.

"I decided not to talk about my plans after what happened in the general elections but I can urge you to be steadfast in this journey," he said.

Raila, who made the first appearance at his home in Bondo following the September 5 Supreme Court ruling that confirmed Ruto's win thanked his supporters for turning out in large numbers to vote in the August 9 general elections. He was accompanied by several leaders including Siaya Governor James Orengo, MPs Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Oburu Oginga (Siaya Senator), Geoffrey Osotsi ( Senator Vihiga) and Nyaribari Chache MP Zair Janda. The leaders claimed Ruto's administration had taken a path of impunity.

GMOs ban

Among the issues, they poked holes on include the uplifting of the ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and Ruto's defiance to continue with the appointments of Chief Administrative Secretaries. Raila and his troops also poked holes in the recent developments that have taken place within court corridors that has seen some of the president's allies who were facing cases in courts freed. Raila said there is an urgent need for reforms in the country, arguing that it would be pointless to go to polls without reforms.

He sought to explain to his steadfast supporters that his win was stolen but is still keen to oversight the Government.

"Without proper reforms in the country, it will be meaningless for our people to come out to vote in 2027," said Raila.

The ODM leader continue to sell hope to his support base and told them that he was optimistic they will bring the prize home. His allies led by his elder brother Oburu claimed that Ruto's administration was bound to fail. Oburu claimed that the new administration has already made several mistakes in its first days in office, adding that the president is showing dictatorial tendencies.

"Be strong, the world is not ending. This government will not go far, " said Oburu.

According to Oburu, the decision by the president to allow GMOs without public participation is a sign of dictatorship. He claimed that they will fight for freedom and keep the government in check.

"You cannot pass a decree of GMOs that was prohibited by a government where he served as a deputy president," said Oburu.

Oburu also appeared to rule out chances of Raila working with the new government and described the new administration as a tainted administration.

"Raila cannot befriend thieves, a government serving with impunity," said Oburu.

Senator Osotsi told off the Kenya Kwanza leaders of their unfulfilled promises, more than 30 days after they took over power.

"They lied to us about so many things that they are yet to do. From the look of things, it's going to be a government like Kanu. Let us not allow them take us back to the old dark days," said Osotsi, adding that those who believe in justice should not allow it happen.

He added that there is need to have constitutional change that only focuses on the issue of CDF, but also on electoral and judicial reforms. Mr Janda on the other hand extended an olive branch to his Azimio colleagues, saying they are ready to unite with Mr Odinga for the benefit of the country's development.

"We don't need to incite our people to demonstrate but let us work together," he said.

His sentiments did not go well with Mr Odinga's allies, who accused Ruto's government of demonstrating extreme impunity in the country. According to Otiende, there was a demonstration of impunity by insisting on CAS positions when courts had already ruled against the position.

Governor Orengo, who was accompanied by his deputy William Oduol, said Kenya must be led by patriots.