Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa is now accusing Azimio leader Raila Odinga of pushing for a referendum to boost his 2027 presidential ambitions, similar to what he did in 2005 when he formed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Speaking on TV47 on Monday, December 4, 2023, Barasa claimed that Raila has gauged the mood of Kenyans towards their government and wants to ride the wave by aligning with the opposing side during a referendum.

“If we go the referendum way, Raila Odinga will take an opposing side with the government. The referendum will become a contest between him and the government. Kenyans are angry, they will shoot it down, and he will carry that euphoria to 2027, similar to how ODM was born in the Chungwa Ndizi referendum,” he said.

Barasa also accused the former Prime Minister of leading demonstrations in the country to remain relevant in Kenyan politics after suffering a fifth loss in as many presidential elections.

According to the lawmaker, Raila coerced President William Ruto into believing that they could have a meaningful engagement through bipartisan talks, but that has come out as a mere time-waster.

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“He wanted to have a platform to continue engaging the government in terms of this is what Kenyans want. He wants us to go to a referendum and use the referendum as a contest with the government,” added the legislator.