MP Caroli Omondi says Raila's AUC bid will deal blow to political sycophants

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi at the Continental House, Parliament, Nairobi. February 15, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson is expected to create a level playing ground for politicians eyeing elective seats in Nyanza region.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said Raila's victory at the AUC might leave some leaders in political quagmire.

Speaking at Nyakiamo Stadium in Sindo town, where he announced the acquisition of three new school buses for Nyabera Girls, Gingo and Nyagwethe Mixed Secondary Schools, Omondi said that politicians who rely on the ODM leader's endorsement will face challenges in the 2027 General Election.

“I wish my party leader success in the AUC bid and we are going to undertake massive campaigns across the continent to enhance his success in the election,” he said.

The MP believes that Raila's AUC bid would shield him from politicians who hang on his coattails.

"God willing, if Baba (Odinga) succeeds in the AUC bid, it will mean that politicians who have depended on his endorsement will have to compete fairly," Omondi said.

He envisioned a future where politicians in Nyanza would be elected on merit and urged residents to prioritise development and evaluate leaders' track records.

“What the people need is development and that is what we are doing today. I am telling my fellow politicians including my opponents in Suba South that they will find it a rough race,” he said.

Omondi is among the ODM MPs labeled as "rebels" due to their decision to work with President William Ruto’s government.

He defended his decision to work with Ruto, saying that it resulted in the construction of the first tarmac road in Suba South constituency.

“Suba South constituency has never had a tarmac road in its history. However, my cooperation with President Ruto’s government has led to the tarmacking of the Mbita-Sindo-Magunga-Sori road. There are also national government projects, including the installation of free wifi in Magunga market, among others in Suba South,” Omondi said.

The MP's decision to work with Ruto attracted the ire of Raila who accused the rebels of not consulting him as the ODM party leader.

Consequently, the ODM leader recently endorsed the party National Chairman John Mbadi to contest the Suba South parliamentary seat.

This endorsement has intensified the political rivalry in Suba South, where Mbadi is currently campaigning to reclaim the seat he held for three terms. Omondi, on the other hand is leaving no chances in consolidating his support in readiness to defend the seat come the next General Election.