The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has expressed disapproval of a meeting held at the State House between a section of its members and President William Ruto.
In a statement signed by party Communications Director Phillip Etale, the party distanced itself from the Tuesday meeting saying the lawmakers were trying to undermine their leader, Raila Odinga.
“Since the victory of our party leader Raila Odinga was stolen and the will of the people subverted after the August 9, 2022, 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,” said Etale.
According to the Raila-led outfit, the head of state was using underhanded moves to weaken the opposition which is keen on carrying out its oversight role.
Read: ODM Responds After Sauti Sol Threatens to Sue Over Use of Extravaganza Song at Azimio Event
The party asserted that the current regime has been using public funds to dupe opposition leaders since the inception of the anti-Ruto rallies.
“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 in order to provide the leadership Kenyans want, but all along, we knew the enemy will not sit pretty,” said Etale.
“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 the attention of Kenyans from issues they are faced with, ranging from the high cost of living, unbearable school fees for their children, and corruption.”
The Orange Party pleaded with its members not to be sidetracked by politicians it claimed were putting their own interests ahead of the welfare of the people.
Read Also: 12 “Goons” Arrested in Migori as ODM Primaries Kick Off
“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.
“We call on Kenyans to ignore such selfish leaders who only care about their stomachs and not the well-being of the millions of poor Kenyans.”
In a short statement, State House said the lawmakers had pledged to work with the current regime as their people were interested in service delivery.
PRESIDENT HOLDS CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH ODM MPS
President @WilliamsRuto and Deputy President @rigathi Tuesday held a meeting with a section of MPs from Nyanza as a follow-up to his recent tour of the region. pic.twitter.com/BGIAm1dCS4
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) February 7, 2023
The President on his part stated that he will work with leaders from across the political divide for the sake of the country’s unity and economic transformation.
The leaders included; Gideon Ochando (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.
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