‘Junet is not going anywhere’ – Raila reacts to reports of MP’s summons
Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has rubbished reports suggesting that there is a plot to kick out Suna East MP Junet Mohamed from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Speaking in Tana River on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the opposition chief asserted that Junet, who also doubles up as the National Assembly Minority Whip, was in the ODM party to stay.
"Junet is not going anywhere. Ignore propaganda from the media. Junet is the Director of Campaigns of the ODM party," Raila said.
Reports of Junet being on the ODM chopping board emerged after the outspoken legislator was summoned to explain his absence at key party activities.
A section of the media reported that there were plans to strip the MP of his role in the party should he fail to justify his absence.
But Raila on Tuesday downplayed the summons, suggesting that the media had blown the directive out of proportion.
"In every house where a husband and wife live, there can be a difference of opinion, right? Those are normal things. Junet has not gone anywhere, no one has chased him," he added.
Junet's summons appeared to divide the opposition with a section of leaders including former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho criticizing the decision.
“Completely unnecessary and uncalled for!” the ODM Deputy Party Leader wrote on his X page on Sunday.
Junet has maintained a low profile since Raila lost the 2022 presidential election, raising concerns among the opposition's support base.
Yesterday, Raila also dispelled similar reports of cracks in the Azimio coalition, insisting that the political alliance remains united.
Speaking in Lamu, the ODM party leader accused a section of the media of spreading propaganda to cause divisions and unnecessary anxiety in the coalition.
"There is no danger of Azimio collapsing any time soon. We want our media to be responsible; we don't want them to spread unnecessary and irresponsible propaganda," Raila stated.
"Nobody has left Azimio. The coalition has remained intact, except for a few members of parliament who decided to take a walk. The leadership of Azimio is stable; there is no dissension or disagreement," he added.
The former prime minister maintained that small misunderstandings within the coalition should not be interpreted as signs of disintegration.
"We don't want the media to try and spread despondency among members of Azimio. We have stood very firm. Azimio is on a cause of liberation for this country. There may be disagreement in opinion on one issue or another, but that does not mean disintegration. I want to assure our members that Azimio is united and will not break up anytime soon," he added.
