Former Raila aide Silas Jakakimba joins UDA
Former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga's aide Silas Jakakimba has officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a statement after joining the ruling party, Jakakimba said the party led by President William Ruto was growing popularity in the Nyanza region, hence he was ready to join the wave.
"Joining UDA affirms the party's growing popularity in Nyanza and across the country. I intend to join the many Nyanza people who are now increasingly ready to mobilize, popularize and even contest for elections on the UDA platform. Joining UDA confirms my belief that the party is a national party with a national constituency and an even brighter future in the path of grounding and consolidating democratic gains in our years-old quest for good governance in the Joint Republic. Needless to say, the UDA is the largest party by count in the county assemblies nationally, in the Senate, in the National Assembly and lastly — the party that delivered the presidency," he stated.
Addressing his association with the former prime minister, Jakakimba said that Raila should exit local politics to focus on African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
"On the question of my association with Rt. Hon. Rails Odinga, I have severally, in the past year, expressed my strong belief that Baba needs to step back from the rigors of local politics and focus on a continental assignment. I am happy that President Ruto has deemed it fit and in the broader geopolitical interests of the Nation premised on a need to posture Africa's potential to the rest of the world - to front the Former PM as a candidate for AUC Chairmanship. Jakom has done his bit locally, has had his chances and even within ODM, leave alone Azimio, the discussion now is: 'Who next?'" he posed.
Jakakimba, who says he has worked for Raila for almost 20 years, believes that loyalty should never be a lifetime affair.
"Like many people who have worked for HE Odinga for many years — in my case for more than 19 years, there seems to be a belief that loyalty to the centre must remain a lifetime role. It is necessary that moving forward, all democrats agree that it is more important and urgent, to remain eternally loyal to democratic ideals and attendant principles of a strong and accountable governance. That is the space where I am today, politically," he added.
Jakakimba praises Ruto
Jakakimba also praised Ruto, saying that he has, within a very short time, stabilized the state and government, succeeding in managing a proper transition.
"I know this is now old news, but I wish to again state that President Ruto was given the people's mandate to manage our country's internal and external affairs. Immediately he was declared, I chose to support him because we strengthen our democracy when we respect the will of the people. In him, is a very deliberate and intentional leader who would stop at nothing in the journey to take Kenya to next level," Jakakimba added.
Jakakimba, who vied for Homa Bay Senatorial seat unsuccessfully in 2022 resigned from ODM in March 2023, after serving the opposition leader since 2004.
"Now, I intend to join him (Ruto), and the UDA formation, to further that mandate and deliver 'The Plan' to the people of Kenya. Where I come from, the great Kavirondo Belt of Nyanza region, the delivery of The Plan is massively ongoing. And we can see it all across the country. Today, I join the UDA formation willingly, aware of the work ahead. I declare to the party secretary-general that I am available on the instant for any assignment," Jakakimba added.
UDA speaks
UDA party secretary general Cleophas Malala welcomed Jakakimba to UDA, praising his experience in the political arena with Raila.
"The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party is delighted to receive Mr Silas Jakakimba in its fold. Mr Jakakimba brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as a long-standing aide to former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Rails Odinga. His decision to align himself with the UDA Party is testament to our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive political landscape in Kenya," Malala stated.
