Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has weighed in on the recent unrest among ODM lawmakers in the National Assembly, attributing their restlessness to the impending African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election. With ODM leader Raila Odinga in the running for the February 15 vote, Barasa’s comments come amidst heightened tensions in Parliament.
The opposition MPs staged a dramatic walkout on February 12 after Speaker Moses Wetang’ula overruled a court judgment that had declared Azimio the rightful majority party in the lower house. Led by Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, the lawmakers threatened to impeach Wetang’ula for allegedly disregarding the court ruling, which they claimed threw the House into disarray.
In response to these developments, Didmus Barasa suggested that the behavior of his ODM colleagues signals preparation for a renewed opposition movement orchestrated by Raila, particularly if he faces defeat in the AUC election. Notably, the veteran opposition leader has tempered his previous criticisms of the government since President William Ruto mobilized resources to support Raila’s candidacy across the continent. This shift in dynamics has included the inclusion of some ODM officials in the Cabinet, which seems to have mollified Raila after past tensions with the government.
“ODM MPs are acting as if they already know the outcome of the AUC elections,” Barasa remarked in a Facebook post. “Their conduct resembles a setup for a possible return to opposition politics, especially if Raila is unsuccessful in Addis Ababa.”
As the AUC election approaches, all eyes will be on Raila Odinga and the unfolding political landscape, with Barasa’s insights shedding light on the potential implications for the ODM party and its leaders.
