Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai on Saturday, October 15, dared Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to summon him over his recent stance declaring support for President William Ruto’s government.
Speaking during the final day of the Tobong’u Lore Festival in Turkana, the ODM Governor maintained that he had the right to associate with the government despite having been elected on an ODM ticket.
According to him, the region’s leaders have resolved to work with the government in a move aimed at driving development and prosperity.
Further, the Governor maintained that he was not moved by threats from the party to take disciplinary action against him.
“Who told you if I am elected on your party (ODM) I have to invite you to every function. You can’t fire me, my position is provided for in the law,” the Governor remarked.
What’s more the governor warned Odinga against planning political activities in the county behind his back.
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The sentiments came a day after a group of rowdy youth disrupted the day of the Tobong’u Lore festival Odinga was scheduled to speak.
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Odinga and his Azimio la Umoja compatriots were whisked to safety after the rowdy group plunged the venue into disarray on Friday, October 13.
In a subsequent speech, the former Prime Minister blamed the chaos on Governor Lomorukai.
He accused Lomurukai of planning to ensure that he does not speak at the function.
“The governor of course was saying that he was not aware, but he was very aware. And I know that he gave assurances to Ruto that he will not allow us to speak here today,” Odinga said shortly after leaving the dais on Friday.
In the run up to the festival, signs of a possible fall out between Governor Lomorukai and ODM were evident.
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In September, the first-term Governor paid for a half-page on a local daily to shower praise on President Ruto’s government.
The governor in an article published in September this year lauded Kenya’s proposal to lead a multinational police mission in Haiti.
Later when President Ruto graced the opening day of the Tobong’u Lore festival, Governor Lomorukai vowed to work with the government going forward and even revealed plans to marshal support for Ruto’s re-election.
“I will work with you now and in the future. I will bring you Turkana votes,” the Governor stated.
Lomorukai won the Turkana gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections after wading off stiff competition from John Munyes, a former Cabinet Secretary, of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
