Joho defends Junet over 2022 elections funds row

The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga [Courtesy]

The wrangles over the bungled 2022 presidential election dominated the post-humorous 81st birthday celebrations at the Coast, with Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho coming to the defence of ODM director of elections Junet Mohamed over claims of the disappearance of Sh500 million meant to pay party agents.

Joho insisted yesterday that Junet had never been the late ODM party leader, Raila Odinga, during his life or even in death.

The CS, who was responding to claims by secretary general Edwin Sifuna that Junet was to blame for Raila’s loss of the 2022 general election.

Joho was addressing ODM officials and supporters during the celebrations at Sun N’ Sand beach hotel in Kilifi county.

“Junet never betrayed Baba when he was alive and even in death,” he said.

Joho said he convened Raila’s birthday to allow his Coast supporters to speak out about their relationship with him because they did not get a chance to attend his burial in Bondo, Siaya county.

He dismissed people opposed to the celebrations and concurred with Taita Taveta Senator Johes Mwaruma, who said that even Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus every year, more than 2000 years after Jesus died.

“We are going to celebrate the life of Raila today, next year, and forever to demonstrate the values and principles he inculcated in the people he mentored like him,” he said.

Kilifi senator Stewart Madzayo warned Sifuna and Junet to stop the wrangles, saying they were not healthy for the ODM.

“I am asking Sifuna and June to end the squabbles because they are bad for ODM. The claims of lost funds are not helpful to the party. I am urging the two leaders to reconcile,” he said, adding that the party will convene a meeting next week to discuss the burning issues in ODM.

Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro called for unity in the party, warning that wrangles will confuse members.

“ODM is in the broad-based government until 2027, and they form the next government. We will work with other national parties in an effort to form the next government,” he said.

He asked top leaders in ODM to work in harmony with one another and strengthen the party at the grassroots level ahead of the general election.

Coast leaders who attended the celebrations assured Joho of support and asked him to hold consultations with elected and ODM branch officials in all six counties in the region to consolidate support.

They also asked Joho to give a political direction for the region in the 2027 elections.

Among the leaders who attended were MPs, senators, governors, and MCAs.