Raila is a Brand, We'll Protect ODM from Smaller Parties, Says Duale

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale has poured praises on National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga following last week truce with President Kenyatta.

Duale, who in the past launched series of attacks on Odinga, described the opposition leader as a “brand”, who should not be used as a ladder by political nonentities to demand for bigger favours than they deserve.

Speaking at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Garissa Township MP called on Nasa affiliate parties to stop mounting undue pressure on Odinga following his move to enter into a unity deal with President Kenyatta.

Duale said Wiper, ANC and Ford Kenya have few numbers in Parliament compared to ODM, and should, therefore, not demand equal shares with the Raila-led party. He said ODM is the biggest party in Nasa, and should not be blackmailed by the rest.

"Mr. Speaker, ODM is the minority party in this house and this is a house of order and procedure. We will protect ODM from the smaller parties."

The vocal MP stated that among the four Nasa co-principals, only Odinga's political stature matches that of President Kenyatta.

“Raila Odinga is a brand; a statesman who has a reputation to protect,” said Duale.

“I am a happy man because I was inducted into politics by none other than Raila Odinga. Of course, there are people who are scared of Raila Odinga. He is loved and hated in equal measure in our country,” said Duale.