We’ve No Apologies for Working With Ruto, ODM Rebel MPs Tell Raila

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has said Nyanza leaders should not apologize to ODM leader Raila Odinga for collaborating with the government. 

Speaking on Saturday during the homecoming ceremony of Interior PS Raymond Omollo in Homa Bay County, the senator contended that the Constitution gives them the right to cooperate with the executive to bring benefits to their electorate. Ojienda is one of nine ODM members who have shifted allegiance to President William Ruto at a time when the ODM leader has come out with guns blazing to derail Ruto’s regime on grounds of punitive tax measures and a high cost of living. Other defectors include Phelix Odiwuor (Lang’ata), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), and Paul Abuor (Rongo). 

Ojienda quoted the Constitution on political rights under Article 38 which states that “Every citizen is free to make political choices, which includes the right (a) to form, or participate in forming, a political party;(b) to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for, a political party; or(c) to campaign for a political party or cause.”

These legislators are due to appear before the ODM disciplinary committee on Wednesday with a risk of an ouster. Despite this, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o declared during a Monday night NTV interview that he has no intention of leaving ODM despite plans of partnering with the Head of State. Jalang’o thanked his constituent for voting for him and hoped they would do the same in 2027. 

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has urged the Kenya Kwanza leaders to organize counter-meetings in their counties and constituencies to oppose the weekly protests led by Raila Odinga which he believes have developed a political element to them and are no longer about the cost of living. Sources indicate that a meeting was held at State House in Nairobi on Saturday, attended by more than 200 elected officials, in which Ruto expressed displeasure at the lack of action in response to Odinga’s protests that are now scheduled for every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.