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Friday, April 7, 2023 –Azimio la Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga is under immense criticism from allies following the naming of a seven-member team destined to start bipartisan dialogue with the government.
Just hours after officially unveiling the seven names, on Thursday April 6, in a Parliamentary Group PG meeting held in Machakos Town, ODM MPs accused him of neglecting important age levels in the process.
First to take issue with the names is Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino, who openly called out his boss (Raila) for what he described as undermining youth most who fight for him on the streets.
The Embakasi East lawmaker wondered why and how Raila could not list even one youth in the seven members unveiled in Machakos.
Though he wished the team well, the second term legislator predicted doom for this team saying it may fail the test if it is not reviewed before going on the discussion table with the government.
“A team has been set up to Represent Azimio in the Bipartisan talks. I wish them well. However, it would have been more effective and efficient if a youth was part of the team because it’s the youth who still at the forefront of the struggle,” MP Owino stated.
New Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly MCA Robert Alai, on his part, said MPs have never been reliable and could easily be compromised during the discussions.
“It’s a team which might not work well for us. MCAs drove the resistance against impunity. MPs sold us off and were even bought in the National Assembly and Senate
“MP Pkosing who is spending more time in Uganda than in Kenya and his only claim to fame is owning a helicopter can’t effectively represent Azimio in the bipartisan talks. Let’s not shoot ourselves on the foot. Even if you hate Babu Owino, there are many who can be chosen,” Alai further stated.
He would be supported by politician Mike Mbuvi Sonko who challenged Raila to start recognising young and loyal blood in the camp.
Azimio picked three senators and four Members of Parliament MPs to represent them in the bipartisan parliamentary talks.
These are Senators Ledama Olekina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Enoch Wambua (Kitui), and MPs David Kosing (Pokot South), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), and Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi).