Junet is Here to Stay,” Declares Raila Amid Exit Speculation

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has refuted claims of a plot to oust Suna East MP Junet Mohamed from the party.

Addressing ODM members in Hola, Raila, who is also the leader of the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition, insisted that reports of Mohamed’s expulsion, who also serves as the minority leader in parliament, were media-propagated rumors.

“(Junet) Mohamed is not going anywhere. There has been a lot of newspaper gossip. In any household, there can be differences of opinion… these are ordinary matters,” said Raila.

He added that Mohamed has not left, and no one has touched him as he remains the campaign director in ODM.

Raila’s statement comes just days after media reports suggested that the Suna East MP had been summoned to the party’s disciplinary board to defend himself.

These reports hinted at the possibility of stripping Mohamed of his authority if he failed to provide a satisfactory defense.

However, Raila has denied any such intentions, stating that Mohamed is still with them, and there is no plan of that nature.

Raila also dismissed reports of cracks within the party, branding them as “funded claims in the media.” He emphasized the party’s strength and continued efforts to register new members for stability in both urban and rural areas.

“These are media-driven schemes to incite chaos in the party, an undesirable behavior. As a party, we continue to grow in numbers, and this activity will further strengthen us,” he said.

He reiterated that Azimio is in the process of liberating the country from poor leadership, urging Tana River residents to embrace this vision.

The summoning of Mohamed by the ODM ethics committee seemed to divide the opposition, with some leaders, including former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, criticizing the decision.

The Suna East MP has been absent from party events for an extended period, with some members mocking him on social media for allegedly undermining Raila’s campaigns and contributing to his loss.

Raila was accompanied by Mombasa Governor Mohammed Nassir, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, and other leaders during the event.

Nassir urged Tana River residents to reflect deeply on the “lies sold to them by the Kenya Kwanza government” and advised them to use wisdom in the approach to the 2027 general elections.

“I want to open your eyes. You have all witnessed what you were promised and what has befallen you. From now until 2027, join ODM and make wise decisions,” said Nassir.

During the membership registration event, ODM welcomed former members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and former ward representatives from Ford Kenya and Jubilee who defected to ODM.