- Suna East MP Junet Mohamed revealed he skipped the ODM's one-year memorial for Raila Odinga, held at Migwena Grounds in Bondo on October 15
- Junet said he went through the guest list and found former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's name, prompting him to stay away
- Several other Ruto-allied ODM figures were also absent from the memorial, including multiple governors and two Cabinet Secretaries
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has disclosed that he deliberately skipped the first anniversary memorial for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Siaya Thursday, October 15.
Speaking Friday, October 16, in Sigor, West Pokot, where he had accompanied President William Ruto on a working tour, Junet revealed that he chose not to attend the event after spotting impeached foprmer deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's name on the guest list.
He said that upon reviewing the list of invited guests for the event, held at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, he made the decision not to attend.
"Yesterday (October 15) as ODM, we mourned Baba, and marked one year since he died. I did not attend his irst death anniversary event yesterday because, upon reviewing the list of guests invited, I noticed that someone named Gachagua had been invited," he said.
According to Junet, the likes of Gachagua hated Raila while alive hence they can't purport to honour him in death.
He further noted that Gachagua embodies such traits that does not match Raila's personality as ethnic hatred and tribalism.
"I decided that I could not be in the same place as someone like him, and, furthermore, Baba’s spirit cannot coexist with Gachagua. Someone who is tribal and has hatred. That is why I chose not to attend," he said.
Gachagua, who stated he was in the United States for a pre-arranged programme, had previously said he received an invitation from Raila's widow, Ida Odinga, but was unable to attend.
He used the occasion to accuse unnamed politicians of insincerity in their praise of Raila, and claimed ODM had become a diminished version of its former self.
Other ODM Allies Who Stayed Away
Junet was not the only prominent figure absent from the gathering. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayako, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir all skipped the event.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi were likewise absent.
The absentees are all associated with President William Ruto's broad-based government. ODM was represented at the memorial by the party's deputy leader and Kisii governor Simba Arati, alongside Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Tags:
Hot: