ODM party leader Raila Odinga has issued a stinging rebuke to Members of Parliament, warning them that undermining devolution could cost them dearly in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during the funeral of former Kisumu Town West MP Ken Nyagudi in early 2025, the ODM leader accused legislators of hijacking county functions and sabotaging development by stalling budget approvals.
With visible anger, Raila lambasted MPs for meddling in infrastructure projects and mismanaging constituency funds such as the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund, calling such actions unconstitutional and a direct assault on the spirit of devolution.
“This obsession with controlling county functions is not only illegal; it is politically suicidal,” Raila declared, adding that ODM MPs found guilty of frustrating county governments may be barred from contesting under the party’s banner in 2027.
The remarks have triggered anxiety within ODM ranks, especially among MPs who have consistently voted against county-friendly legislation. Raila claimed that many governors were unable to deliver on their mandates because MPs were deliberately blocking the release of devolved funds and encroaching on county responsibilities.
Political insiders reveal that several ODM-aligned governors, frustrated by sabotage from MPs, have been urging Raila to intervene. Insiders suggest that the party leader’s firm stance may have been influenced by financial support from these governors, a development that raises fresh questions about internal power dynamics within the party.
As tensions simmer, the stage is set for a showdown between MPs and governors, with Raila standing firmly on the side of devolution. Whether this hardline position will unify or fracture ODM ahead of 2027 remains to be seen.
