I just don’t care! Raila admits he is not bothered by his dwindling popularity
Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga has said he does not care about losing political popularity over his stand on the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Raila spoke on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) during Katiba Day celebrations.
Raila’s clarion call
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In his message, he defended the push to have the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) transferred to county governments, saying Parliament’s mandate was strictly limited to representation, legislation, and oversight.
He argued that it was a conflict of interest for Members of Parliament to act both as implementers and as overseers of development projects.
The former Prime Minister maintained that legislators should stay true to their constitutional responsibilities rather than administering devolved funds.
He admitted that his stand might make him unpopular, particularly with President William Ruto, but emphasised that he would not waver on the matter.
Raila also used the platform to criticise the National Police Service (NPS), accusing it of abetting human rights abuses.
Raila’s beef with the police
According to him, security agencies have overstepped their role in recent years, disregarding fundamental freedoms.
“The National Police has let the country down. Abuse of the right to life, degradation of human dignity, torture and denial have increased under the watch of the National Police Service,” Raila remarked.
His comments drew mixed reactions, with some attendees applauding his boldness while others whispered about the political risks of openly challenging NG-CDF, a popular initiative among lawmakers and communities alike.
Analysts say Raila’s hardline position could alienate him further in the run-up to the 2027 polls, as many Kenyans view NG-CDF as a lifeline for community projects, especially in education and infrastructure.
However, his allies argue that his willingness to stake political capital demonstrates leadership rooted in principle rather than populism.
The remarks also come amid heightened debate over governance and accountability, with the opposition maintaining that Kenya’s democracy must not be compromised by short-term political gains.
Raila’s critics, however, accused him of seeking to remain relevant by picking fights on divisive issues.
Despite the criticism, Raila appeared unfazed, signalling that he is ready to endure political headwinds for the sake of constitutional fidelity.
His message to Kenyans was clear: unpopular or not, he intends to keep defending institutions and calling out failures in governance.
