ODM Governors rebuke Nyanza MPs for meeting Ruto, Gachagua without party’s blessings
Siaya Governor James Orengo and his Kisumu counterpart Anyang' Nyong'o have sharply criticized a section of ODM MPs who met and pledged support for President William Ruto.
The ODM legislators who met the President and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua at the State House include: Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East), Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo) and Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda.
Orengo has stated that the visit by the lawmakers was personal and not sanctioned by the leadership of the Orange party.
"We disassociate ourselves with a visit to State House, Nairobi by a group of ODM MPs. The visit by the MPs was personal and not sanctioned by any of our official ODM party organs," he tweeted.
In a strongly worded press release, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o claimed that he was not surprised by the amalgam of self-seeking MPs who went to State House without the blessing of the Raila-led party.
"I am not surprised that an amalgam of self-seeking MPs went to State House without the blessing of our progressive party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
"After all, in a revolutionary situation such as the one currently staring in the face in Kenya, it is helpful for the ODM leadership to remember Lenin'd warning. In a revolutionary situation. V.I Lenin wrote: BETTER FEWER BUT BETTER," the county chief said in a statement.
ODM rebukes MPs for meeting Ruto
Responding to the rare meeting, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party through its communications director, Philip Etale alluded that the meeting did not come as a surprise to them as they have been closely monitoring activities involving some of the leaders.
"The visit to State House this morning by a section of ODM members of parliament has not come as a surprise to the party and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Movement. The party has been monitoring closely the behind-the-scenes activities involving some of them and today was just the climax," the statement reads in parts.
Etale alleged that the meeting was just one of the schemes that aim to deviate from key issues affecting Kenyans instead of offering clear insights into the problems and solutions.
"They have started spending stolen money to hoodwink some of our leaders with the aim of trying to scuttle our activities. Such meetings are aimed at diverting Kenyans' attention from issues they face, ranging from the high cost of living, unbearable school fees for their children, and corruption," he stated.
