Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) communications director Philip Etale has urged Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba to refrain from involving ODM leader Raila Odinga in her political discourse.
Responding to Wamuchomba’s recent remarks on the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, Etale advised the former Kiambu Woman Representative to adopt a different approach to her politics.
He noted that Wamuchomba appears to be employing a political strategy commonly used by several politicians from the Mount Kenya region.
“Madam Team Ground AKA Gathoni Wamuchomba, you will not manage to build an empire by invoking Raila Odinga’s name in your politics. You don’t build a house using saliva. Try to be different from those who came before you,” Etale’s statement reads in part.
The ODM communication boss further tells Wamuchomba that the days of using Raila’s name to win the hearts of Mount Kenya votes are gone.
“Be natural. Be authentic. Be factually honest and you will succeed. Days of using Raila’s name to endear to the masses in the mountain are over. You will thank me later,” Etale said.
Madam Team Ground aka @hon_wamuchomba, you will not manage to build an empire by invoking @RailaOdinga’s name in your politics. You don’t build a house using saliva. Try to be different from those who came before you. Be natural. Be authentic. Be factually honest and you will… pic.twitter.com/HqnI47aNZc
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) May 29, 2024
Etale’s remarks came in response to Wamuchomba’s recent comments regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle intended to create positions for Raila’s close allies, contingent upon the MPs passing the NADCO report.
During an interview with a local TV station, Wamuchomba stated that the report, if passed as is, would lead to significant consequences.
Raila’s opposition had called for the report to be approved without any amendments. Conversely, President William Ruto’s side is pushing for modifications to certain sections of the report.
In April 2024, the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) presented a report in Parliament proposing amendments to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This Bill is part of the legislative package negotiated between President Ruto and Raila’s teams as part of the NADCO report.
Azimio has argued that the document, being a negotiated agreement, should be protected from any amendments by legislators. However, the JLAC, in its report, justified the amendments, referencing the Speaker’s directive.
JLAC chairman George Murugara asserted that their decision to revise sections of the proposal is legally justified.
