According to reports, the meeting was held amid rising political tensions, showcasing deep divisions within the party.
According to reports from Taifa Leo, several attendees disclosed that after Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna presented the resolutions from the National Executive Committee, party leader Raila Odinga asked Siaya Governor James Orengo to share his views.
Orengo warned that joining Ruto's government would be detrimental, describing it as "poison."
Orengo Explains What'll Happen If Raila Opts out of 2022 Presidential Race
Attendees reportedly supported Orengo's initial conditions for cooperating with Ruto, which they believed resonated with the priorities of Generation Z.
In an interview, Orengo explained that his presentation included 'non-negotiable conditions' which ODM and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition insist must be met for any talks to proceed.
Some of these conditions, approved by the party's National Executive Committee, aim to create a favorable environment for the National Delegates Conference.
Orengo said that Kenyan youth should be allowed to conduct peaceful protests as guaranteed by the constitution. He insisted that police brutality, including the use of live bullets and tear gas against demonstrators, must cease in accordance with a recent court order.
Other conditions set by Orengo include dropping charges and releasing those arrested during recent and previous protests unconditionally.
“We want the families of those killed or injured during last year's protests to be adequately compensated. Those with hospital bills should have them waived, and those who lost their property should also be compensated,” Orengo stated.
He also called for accountability from senior police commanders and former minister Kithure Kindiki for their roles in the deaths and injuries of innocent protesters.
“Before any talks of any kind, we want the police officers who committed acts of brutality and murder to be arrested and prosecuted. The dismissal of Inspector General Japheth Koome is not enough; we want Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei fired and all including Mr. Kindiki prosecuted,” Orengo declared.
Additionally, Orengo proposed the immediate cessation of taxes introduced following the rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill, such as the Road Maintenance Levy, which he argued would burden Kenyans.
He stressed the need for time to meet these conditions and that any discussions or resolutions must be enacted into law and the Constitution to ensure the National Delegates Conference achieves substantive outcomes.
Following Orengo's presentation, MPs and Senators openly expressed their concerns. They warned Raila Odinga against engaging with President Ruto without clear, genuine commitments, emphasizing that Ruto has not shown a sincere stance, particularly on National Dialogue issues.
The MPs cautioned Odinga not to fall into what they described as President Ruto's trap.
The meeting ended without a conclusive decision, leaving ODM's stance on joining the Kenya Kwanza government unresolved. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the party's next steps remain uncertain.
0 Comments