The long-serving aide of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced his resignation through an ‘appreciation’ letter addressed to the ODM party leader on Friday, March 17, 2023.
In a separate letter to the Registrar of Political Parties, Jakakimba also resigned as a life member of Raila’s ODM party and asked for the removal of his name from the outfit’s register.
“This is to inform your office that I have resigned, effective immediately, as (Life) Member of the ODM Party of Kenya, being Membership Number 00230 Kindly effect this decision, by striking out my name from the Party’s Official Membership Register,” Jakakimba said.
In his letter to Raila, Jakakimba thanked the opposition chief for the opportunity to serve him since their paths crossed nearly two decades ago.
Likening Raila to South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, Jakakimba said he owes his success to the former premier.
“It is close to two solid decades since our paths first crossed in 2004 as a young member in the then very vibrant Liberal Democratic Party’s Youth League.
“That the commitment in the years-old service to and under you and the undeniably very close nexus that blossomed to both comradeship of trust and a near-son relationship have seen me grow into what l am today in the leadership space can neither be gainsaid nor overstressed,” Jakakimba said.
“You gave me an opportunity to serve as your Parliamentary Personal Assistant (2007). Personal Assistant to The Prime Minister (Coalition Government) and since November 25th, 2015 – as Advisor. Out of this relationship. I confess that I know no other living human being on the African continent, that comes close to you as the First Among Equals on the quest for a free and prosperous continent outside Nelson R Mandela.”
Jakakimba further said he was privileged to share in the rare pride to stand with Raila throughout the fight for better governance in the country.
“Even so as it remains clear in my mind that I could possibly hold the candle to a natural Ally, Son and Mentee, I take this opportunity to inform you that I have taken the liberty to formally take time off the Advisory Role at the Raila Odinga Secretariat effective immediately,” he added.
In a tweet on Sunday night, the lawyer lamented that Winnie hurled insults at him for allegedly betraying Raila over his recent photo with President William Ruto, the former Prime Minister’s main challenger in the last presidential election.
Apparently, the last-born daughter of Raila was irritated by the photo Jakakimba had taken with Ruto during the President’s recent tour of Homa Bay county and which he now uses as his cover photo on Twitter.
“Winnie Odinga used F’Word on me last night for what she terms betrayal in lieu of my cover photo,” Jakakimba wrote.
He said Winnie should learn to respect p****e, especially those who have stood with his father through thick and thin in his political career.
“What she fails to appreciate: We respect Jakom (Raila) -done half the Yrs of my Life and him & if she cares to know, we’ve had to hard-furnace via invisible sacrifices to that cadre of loyalty,” he added.”It is imperative moving forward that Winnie learns to respect p****e for who they are – if not least, for what they’ve been in a long journey of several lows and countable highs, for love of Country.”
Jakakimba served as a personal assistant to Raila when he served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013.
He remained in the Raila Odinga Secretariat until October last year when he was poached by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to be the county’s Legal Affairs Advisor.
