The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned a meeting between some of its members and President William Ruto at the State House.
In a statement signed by party Communications Director Phillip Etale, the party distanced itself from the Tuesday meeting, claiming that the lawmakers were attempting to undermine their leader, Raila Odinga.
“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,” part of the statement read in part.
“Since the victory of our Party Leader the Hon. Raila Odinga was stolen and the will of the people subverted after the General Election, some leaders have elected to undermine the leadership of the party and chosen to go against the will of the people who elected them to positions they hold,” Etale explained.
In an attack on Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza, Etale claimed that the government was bribing opposition members to keep them from putting the government in check.
“Three months ago, the Azimio la Umoja leadership began rallies to push for the reclamation of its victory from the hands of the illegitimate administration to provide the leadership Kenyans want, but all along, we knew the enemy will not sit pretty.
“They have started spending plundered money to hoodwink some of our leaders 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 graft,” he added.
The Raila-led outfit pleaded with its members not to be sidetracked by politicians it claimed were putting their own interests ahead of the welfare of the people.
“We know that in the quest for legitimate leadership, there are those who will fall by the wayside, and some will be compromised, but the movement remains unstoppable.
“This is a people’s movement aimed at defending the constitution of the land. History will judge harshly leaders who want to betray Kenyans by accepting handouts to scuttle the activities of the movement,” he said.
Among the politicians who accompanied Jalang’o to the State House were Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Shakeel Shabir (Independent – Kisumu Town East), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), and Gideon Ochanda (Bondo).
