On Friday, the ODM Parliamentary Group was interrupted by a group of agitated young protesters at Maanzoni Lodge hotel in Athi River, Machakos county. The youth demanded that ODM Chairman John Mbadi leave the meeting, claiming that he was disrespectful to the party leader and a traitor to the ODM party.
“Tense Moments as MPs Intervene to Calm Youth Protesters”
The youth protesters, numbering in the tens, made an unsuccessful attempt to physically remove Mbadi from the meeting. It took the intervention of several MPs to bring the situation under control and allow Mbadi to continue his participation in the meeting. The protesters also called for Mbadi’s resignation as ODM chairman in favor of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. They accused Mbadi of uttering demeaning words towards party leader Raila Odinga, despite being nominated by the same party.
The incident occurred hours after Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, was blocked from attending the same meeting. Jalang’o was denied access after meeting with President William Ruto at the State House, along with eight other ODM lawmakers. He protested his ejection, claiming that he was still a bonafide ODM member and refused to apologize for meeting with the President.
In response, Raila referred to the leaders who met with the President as traitors and called for their resignation from the ODM party and Azimio coalition. However, Kalonzo Musyoka pleaded with Raila to forgive Jalang’o and welcome him back to the party.
After the Maanzoni retreat, the Azimio team is set to hold rallies in Mavoko, Busia, and Kisii town, wrapping up their weekend of political activities.
