Saitabao Ole Kanchory, a lawyer and politician who served as the presidential chief agent of Azimio la Umoja in the 2022 general elections, has stated that if the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were alive today, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed would not be speaking the way he has in recent times.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, Kanchory, who has been critical of Orange Democratic politicians supporting the broad-based government, addressed the current turmoil within the Orange party on the birthday of the late leader.

According to Kanchory, as the nation celebrates the 81st birthday of the late leader, what pains him most is the conduct of leaders who were close to Raila, Junet Mohamed, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi since his passing.

He stated that these politicians are behaving in ways that undermine the principles and vision of the late leader, adding that if Raila were alive today, these leaders would speak differently and act more responsibly.

Kanchory emphasised that if Raila were to wake from his grave, he would fire these leaders, particularly the four who joined the broad-based government under his guidance and alliance with President William Ruto.

“But the worst part of it, the worst part of it, is how people are behaving. You know, following his exit. I can tell you for free if Baba were alive today or if Baba were to wake up today. Let me put it differently. If Baba were alive today, Junet would not be talking the way he’s talking. Wandayi, he would not be talking the way he’s talking.”

He accused Mbadi, Wandayi, and Junet of abusing the positions Raila entrusted to them, using them to advance personal interests rather than the nation’s, contrary to what the late leader would have wanted.

“Mbadi would not be talking the way he’s talking. If he were to wake up today, Baba would fire these guys right on the spot, because they have really abused the position that Baba left them. because they have really abused the position that Baba left them in to their personal advantage. The good thing is that we are here, and we will correct course.”

Wrangles in ODM

This comes amid internal disputes within the ODM party, with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna facing a possible ouster from the position he has held for nearly a decade.

The party remains divided over its direction post-Raila. Sifuna has indicated that the party should field a presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto, asserting that even he is fit for the role.

However, party leader Oburu Odinga maintains that, according to the party constitution, the party leader remains the official presidential candidate and flagbearer.

Junet Mohammed dismissed Sifuna’s position, echoing Oburu Odinga’s remarks and reaffirming that Oburu is currently the party’s presidential flagbearer and spokesman and the person to decide on such presidential candidate decisions.