The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rebel legislators who were recently ousted from the party have asserted that they owe no one an apology over their close working relationship with President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government.
Led by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, the legislators accused ODM’s leadership of inconsistency, raising questions about why visiting the President was considered wrong for them but not for their party leader, Raila Odinga, when he reportedly met President Ruto in Mombasa recently.
“Recently you heard a few of us were expelled from ODM because we met President Ruto in Nairobi. Then others met him at State House Mombasa. If it is good in Mombasa, it is good in Nairobi,” said Omondi.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, on his part, stated that they chose to embrace a new political path in order to transform the political landscape of the Nyanza region.
He went on to emphasize that they have no apprehension about a by-election as some might assume, further asserting that if there was an operational Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) then they would have resigned to seek a renewed mandate from the people.
“If it wasn’t that there was no IEBC we would have resigned and sought re-election because the politics in this region must change and the change begins with us,” said Ojienda.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita added that their relationship with President Ruto is purely for development purposes and should therefore not be opposed since it is the only way the region can benefit from the State.
The legislators were speaking during the thanksgiving ceremony for another perceived ODM rebel Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo in Mutumbu, an event graced by President Ruto as part of his 4-day Nyanza tour.
The Head of State noted that it was unfortunate that the perceived rebel MPs were being victimized by ODM just because of visiting him for purposes of development.
He stated that leaders should remain united and not be divided along tribal or political party lines because they have one country and one people to serve.
“Mipaka ya siasa na vyama visitugawanye. Vyama ni vizuri kwa sababu ni demokrasia lakini vyama si uadui. As leaders we must work together,” said Ruto.
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