This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On July 31, 2019, a heated debate erupted between legislators from Nyanza and Rift Valley regions over the role of ODM leader Raila Odinga in government.
MPs from Rift Valley had been criticizing Raila Odinga for not playing his role as the leader of the opposition, claiming he should not engage in projects undertaken by the Jubilee government because he was their competitor in 2017.
However, Alego-Usonga MP Sam Atandi fired back, saying Raila Odinga and the ODM Party have no regrets working with the government to spur development and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at Ahindi Gardens in Siaya town, MP Atandi issued boda boda licenses worth Sh3 million, sponsored by the NG-CDF to benefit 300 youth.
He emphasized that Raila Odinga is self-made and does not need government positions to hold sway in Kenyan politics.
MP Atandi's comments were a clear message to Rift Valley legislators to deal with the presence of ODM leaders in government.