Stop meddling with Azimio affiliated parties, Raila warns government

Siaya, Wednesday, 24, May, 2023,

KNA By Philip Onyango.

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga today told the government to keep off internal affairs of political parties, warning that the coalition will not tolerate interference on its affiliates.

Raila, who was speaking at Nyadorera trading centre in Usonga location, Siaya county lamented that the Kenya Kwanza government was using the registrar of political parties to fan trouble at Jubilee party, one of Azimio affiliates.

The former Prime Minister had visited the area to show solidarity with the victims of the floods where he donated foodstuff to the affected.

He said that it was through the government interference that the registrar of political parties had refused to register a faction led by former president, Uhuru Kenyatta which held its national delegates conference yesterday and effected some changes within its ranks.

“Mr. Ruto should not interfere with the running of political parties. Parties must be allowed to conduct their affairs independently without interference” said the former prime minister who was flanked by among others, Governors, James Orengo (Siaya) and Paul Otuoma (Busia) and members of Parliament, Raphael Wanjala and Opiyo Wandayi of Budalangi and Ugunja respectively.

Raila said that Azimio la Umoja will not take the state interference in its affiliate parties lying down, warning of unspecified consequences.

“We urge the registrar to move with speed and register the new Jubilee party officials’ failure to which there will be consequences” he said.

The registrar of political parties, Anne Nderitu had, on 19/5/2023, ratified the expulsion of a team affiliated to former President, Uhuru Kenyatta from the party, among them Jeremiah Kioni (Secretary General), David Murathe (Vice Chairman) and Kagwe Gichohi (Treasurer).

However, the political parties’ dispute tribunal yesterday quashed the registrar’s decision and prohibited her from acting on any decision purporting to expel them from the party.

Addressing the occasion, Busia governor, Paul Otuoma and Budalangi MP, Raphael Wanjala called for a lasting solution to the perennial floods in Budalangi.

Wanjala alleged that funds meant for the control of the floods have been diverted to other projects upstream and urged the public to unite and push the government to construct dams that were meant to control floods along rivers Nzoia and Yala.

Governor Otuoma said Western region had the highest potential for irrigation in Kenya and could feed the country if efforts are made to harness the flood waters.

Courtesy; K.N.A