Jubilee Youth Chair Advice Mundalo Defends Raila's Criticism Of Govt: "It's His Right "

• Jubilee Youth Chair Advice Mundalo has differed with a section of Kenya Kwanza MPs criticising Raila Odinga for questioning the government
• Mundalo said Raila was still the opposition leader, and his bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chair cannot stop him from performing his duties
• Azimio principals led by Kalonzo Musyoka have warned Kenya Kwanza MPs against using Raila's AUC bid to silence him

Jubilee Party National Youth Chair Advice Mundalo has defended ODM leader Raila Odinga's recent criticism of President William Ruto's government, arguing that he has every right to do so.

Raila is seeking to be the next chairperson of the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and has been working closely with Ruto's administration to woo African presidents to support his bid.

What Kenya Kwanza MPs said

However, his recent criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government raised eyebrows, and a section of leaders allied to the president demanded that he apologise and desist from 'biting the hand that's feeding him'.

Mundalo said such an argument is misplaced as Raila was still the opposition leader and had not been elected as AUC chair yet.

"Raila has every right to criticise the government because that is his work as the leader of the opposition. He will only desist from doing so the day he will become AUC chair," Mundalo told TUKO.co.ke.

He emphasized the importance of having a strong opposition in a democratic country, arguing it helps to strengthen good governance.

"The president himself is on record asking the opposition side to do its job. At no point has he ever complained about criticism from the opposition. He is the one who proposed to have the office of the opposition leader so that the bearer can have resources to do the job properly," added the communication strategist.

When asked about whether Raila's response would rattle the President to withdraw support from his AU bid, Mundalo said:

The President stands tall as an icon of Democracy operates at the highest level of the country's governance and is therefore not petty to react to Opposition gimmicks. He will support Raila's bid because he has a proven history of sticking to his word without minding petty politics.

A host of UDA leaders have been castigating Raila for questioning the government policies and response mechanisms to crises such as floods and the doctors' strike.

Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot, the UDA lawmakers asked the former premier to "shut up" and wait to be assisted to win the AUC seat.

"I want to ask my friend Raila Odinga, please if you want to be helped to win the AUC chairperson's seat be humble. The position we are campaigning for you lead by President William Ruto requires one to be humble," said Ichung'wah.

Azimio MPs warn Kenya Kwanza MPs on AUC bid

Azimio leaders had earlier warned the Kenya Kwanza MPs to stop using Raila's AUC bid to silence him on his criticism against the government.

They said Raila had the right to check on government's performance, and his intentions should not be used against him.

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Jubilee Youth Chairman Advice Mundalo at a past event.

Jubilee Youth Chair Advice Mundalo Defends Raila's Criticism of Govt

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