Saboti MP responds to UDA politicians who want Raila to stop criticizing gov’t for the sake of his AUC bid
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, has found himself at odds with politicians aligned with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The source of contention is Raila's recent vocal criticism of the government's handling of the ongoing heavy rains plaguing Kenya.
A handful of UDA politicians expressed their dismay at Raila's pointed remarks, leveraging his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position as a means of coercion.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot was among those who openly aired their frustrations, suggesting that Raila's criticisms could jeopardize his chances of securing the AUC role.
"Tinga's constituency now is African Presidents . They hold the key to his next election. He is out here insulting a man they all hold in such high regard. On election day, when they evaluate his credentials, how do you imagine it will end ? Maandamano in Addis ?" Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot wrote on X on Friday following Raila's criticism of the government.
Tinga's constituency now is African Presidents .
They hold the key to his next election.
He is out here insulting a man they all hold in such high regard.
On election day, when they evaluate his credentials, how do you imagine it will end ?
Maandamano in Addis ?— Aaron Cheruiyot (@Aaroncheruiyot) May 3, 2024
However, in response to the mounting pressure from UDA affiliates, Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi offered a counterargument.
Amisi contended that the majority of Kenyans were not in favour of Raila assuming the AUC position.
He suggested that President William Ruto's motivations lay not in supporting Raila's AUC aspirations, but rather in removing him from the Kenyan political landscape to stifle dissent against the government.
"Kenya Kwanza, confused lieutenants are highly disappointed that @RailaOdinga is criticising the government. Ruto is running helterskelter around Africa not to give raila a job but to get rid of him from the political scene so that Kenyans can be molested properly .Veril verily i say unto you ,9 out of 10 kenyans do not want baba to go to AU because of this reason. In the meantime,disagreement on who get what tender ,when and how ,is soon cutting UDA into 2 camps and the rest will be history ," Amisi wrote on X on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Kenya Kwanza, confused lieutenants are highly disappointed that @RailaOdinga is criticising the government. Ruto is running helterskelter around Africa not to give raila a job but to get rid of him from the political scene so that Kenyans can be molested properly .Veril verily i…— Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP (@Honcalebamisi) May 4, 2024
Raila's criticism
Opposition leader Raila Odinga escalated his criticism of President William Ruto's administration regarding its handling of the current heavy rains wreaking havoc nationwide.
The Azimio leader is now urging for the flood crisis affecting various counties to be declared a national disaster. Simultaneously, he opposes the forceful evacuation of residents from high-risk areas until there is a comprehensive resettlement plan in place.
During a visit to flood victims in the Mukuru slums of Nairobi on Friday, Raila expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response to the ongoing torrential rains. He highlighted the loss of lives and displacement of thousands as consequences of the inadequate measures taken.
“Tumesema wasijaribu kubomoa manyumba na kuhamisha watu. Watu wapewe makazi kwanza kabla hawajafanya ubomoaji…wananchi sio wanyama,” Raila stated.
“You cannot receive adequate aid to assist the victims unless you declare the crisis a disaster," he added.
