Why ODM Leaders Want Raila to Rescind Unity Deal with President Kenyatta

A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders are exerting pressure on Opposition chief Raila Odinga to abandon the unity pact reached between him and President Kenyatta about three weeks ago.

The brigade, led by Siaya Senator James Orengo, claim that the President has failed to live to the pledges found in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odinga.

This, they argue, is washing away Raila's hard-earned stature as a reformist and a voice against injustices committed by successive administrations.

The group cites last week's hostility meted on fiery opposition lawyer Miguna Miguna, which culminated in his deportation for the second time.

They demand an unconditional return of Miguna, immediate compensation of families of victims of last year post-election crackdown by police, and a deal on how to attain electoral reforms struck.

Speaking to the Nation,  Orengo said that the unity being pursued by Uhuru-Raila pact can't be achieved in absence of the rule of law.

“Uhuru has to be held accountable now. Any engagement with him in any process would be an act of impunity because he is condoning the blatant and brazen defiance of court orders...,” he said.

“He has put the Judiciary in an embarrassing position. His hands are there, the warning he gave to the Judiciary that he would revisit it after the Supreme Court overturned his declaration of win by IEBC is there for all to see,” Mr Orengo added, stating a popular view within ODM’s political circles.

The senator also claims that President has violated Article 131(2) of the Constitution.

“The handshake rises or falls on the pedestal of the rule of law, and if the State is out to undermine the rule of law, then it has no basis. The joint statement by the two also talked about rights and respect for the rule of law.”

ODM Chairman John Mbadi warned that Miguna citizenship fiasco with the State could throw Kenyatta-Odinga deal into disarray.

“We take note that the recent developments, particularly the return to Kenya of Miguna and his second deportation have cast doubts on the deal,” he said.