Former advisor to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Silas Jakakimba has called out a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders for attacking Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 22, 2024, Odinga’s former aide called out ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over his continuous attacks against Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
“My attention has been drawn to uncalled for, unjustified and diversionary personal attacks on PS. Dr. Raymond Omollo, by ODM SG, Sen. Sifuna, while in Lamu,” read part of the statement.
The statement came following the remarks made by Senator Sifuna on January 22, castigating the Interior PS over the worsening insecurity in Lamu County.
While calling out Sifuna, Jakakimba noted that any reasonable citizen appreciated the import and place in the honor and appointment of the PS into one of the most sensitive state dockets.
Jakakimba Lauds Ruto
The lawyer further noted that the PS’s appointment by President William Ruto spoke volumes to practical commitment by the President to deliver on his pledge of unifying the country.
According to the lawyer, this is by ensuring anyone, in spite of their tribal or ethnic background, stood a chance to sit at the Public Service table of nation building and decision making.
Jakakimba noted that in the past months, several ranking members of the ODM Party, especially from Nyanza, have tried to attack PS Omollo.
“At the same time, unsuccessfully trying to sow seeds of intimidation, intolerance and fearmongering in the region,” said Jakakimba.
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The lawyer went on to castigate Sifuna’s attacks on Omollo, terming them as a careless continuation of the same narrative.
Nevertheless, he highlighted that the senator should focus on the most urgent issues concerning the party.
Furthermore, he called the entire party, highlighting ODM’s push for inclusivity in contrast to the attacks.
“ODM cannot table as Agenda Number One at the Bomas Talks, a sustained push for Inclusivity while on the other, keep attacking President Ruto’s appointee from its hitherto Nyanza base,” he said.
On the other hand, Jakakimba encouraged PS Omollo, asking him to remain firm and loyal to the Oath.
ODM Attacks on Omollo
Sifuna alleged that Raymond Omollo was so much involved in influencing ODM supporters from Nyanza region, the party’s stronghold, to join the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Also Read: PS Raymond Omollo Launches Scathing Attack on Raila
He further said that Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki needed enough support from his PS to ensure maximum security in Lamu.
“I asked you if you know the Interior CS, and you said that you know him. But he has his deputy called Raymond Omollo, who you don’t know.
He has the PS who rarely comes here to know the level of security,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna alleged that some of the people appointed by President Ruto to his cabinet were just picked to fill the positions as his allies.
“When was the last time that you came to Lamu? He is busy daily distributing beans and rice in Nyanza, thinking that will attract ODM,” said Sifuna.