Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has urged elected leaders in the country to avoid early campaigns for the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a dinner organized by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa at his Matungu residence on January 2, 2024, Raila urged elected leaders to prioritize fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them by the electorate.
Raila noted that some elected leaders were busy campaigning for the 2027 elections, instead of focussing on service delivery to the people of Kenya.
“We finished elections a year ago in 2022, yet you have started campaigning again, let us all wait for the right time to start campaigns for the 2027 elections,” said Raila.
He explained that some members of county assemblies (MCAs) who had already declared interest in vying for the position of members of parliament (MPs) and MPs who had shown interest in becoming governors were causing unnecessary friction among the elected leaders.
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However, the ODM leader noted that it was not wrong for any politician to aim for a higher seat, provided that campaigning is done at the right time.
According to Raila, the early campaigns are creating a perpetual state of political distraction, diverting attention from essential governance duties.
He stressed the need for leaders to concentrate on addressing the needs of their constituents and diligently executing their roles.
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At the same time, Governor Barasa echoed Raila’s sentiments, urging fellow leaders to prioritize their current responsibilities and defer political campaigning until the appropriate time.
“I want to appreciate you Baba for reminding us to stop early campaigns, in 2027 all of us will be free to vie for any political position in the country,” said Barasa.
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Barasa emphasized that the persistent early campaigns adversely impacted the nation, hindering progress and effective governance.
