TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Raila Odinga knocks, Ukambani opens, then he disappears when the deal is done.

That was the stinging message from Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who accused the ODM leader of repeatedly abandoning the region after elections, only to return when he needs votes again.

Mutuse was speaking on Thursday, June 5, during a series of empowerment events held in Kitui and Makueni counties.

The events were graced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, and other leaders.

“We voted for Raila, and he finished second. Today, as we speak, he is working alongside President William Ruto. We have supported him over the years, in 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, and we have always stood by him,” said Mutuse.

He accused Raila of leaving Ukambani out in the cold once he finds a way into government.

“When he gets a chance to work with the government, he leaves us stuck in opposition, only to come back when the next elections approach, expecting our support,” he said.

Mutuse urged locals to realign with Ruto’s administration, arguing that there is no reason to remain in opposition when the man they supported has already crossed over.

“If Raila himself is already in government, why would you stay in opposition? What exactly are you waiting for?” he posed.

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In a previous article by , Raila denied claims that he or the ODM party had joined the government, maintaining that their involvement was purely technical and issue-based.

Raila called on Kenyans to be patient with the experts from ODM party currently serving in key roles within Ruto’s administration.

The ODM leader expressed confidence in the team comprising John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Opiyo Wandayi, who were appointed to head critical ministries.

He emphasised that their presence in Cabinet was meant to help guide the country through an economic recovery period and not to endorse the Kenya Kwanza political agenda. Raila also insisted that their performance should be judged without regard to political affiliations.

He stated that the upcoming national budget, which will be led by Treasury CS Mbadi, would align more closely with the everyday struggles of ordinary Kenyans and reflect the economic vision of ODM.

Raila urged citizens to give these leaders space to prove their ability to make a difference within their portfolios, stressing that positive change takes time and focus.

Source: TUKO.co.ke