ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses the public during the laying of the foundation stone for the Maganda Early Childhood Development Centre in Jomvu, Mombasa County, on June 24, 2025.
He insisted the dual role creates a dangerous conflict of interest.
“Parliament is constitutionally mandated to do representation, legislation, and oversight. If you are a contractor and an MP, who is overseeing you?” Raila asked.
A section of Members of Parliament during a past parliamentary proceeding.
“We are not opposed to merging projects at the constituency. But under this constitution, constituency is not a devolved unit. Devolution has two levels, national and county. It is not right for the National Government to jump the County Government and create another unit below it called NG. That is not necessary,” Raila explained.
President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga during a joint parliamentary group meeting on Monday, August 18 2025
“I have said this amendment you brought to parliament is there. But let us take it to the people. Let us take it to a referendum and test if the people would accept. Let us see if the people can accept that Members of Parliament can be overseeing and also implementing at the same time,” Raila declared.
“Over this, there is no compromise. Tunaenda kwa wananchi. I know this particular stand will make me unpopular, but I just don’t care. I stand my ground on this matter,” he continued.
“IEBC equally stands out as an institution that has made no progress in securing for Kenyans what they sought. The same issues that Kenyans faced in 1992 still hound us. Confidence in the commission remains extremely low. Our elections are some of the most expensive in the world,” Raila said.
ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses the public during the laying of the foundation stone for the Maganda Early Childhood Development Centre in Jomvu, Mombasa County, on June 24, 2025.
