Alai defends ODM politicians who met President Ruto
Member of County Assembly for Kileleshwa Ward, Robert Alai, has defended ODM politicians who on Tuesday met President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua at State House, Nairobi.
The legislators who met the President and his deputy are 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.
Their action come at a time their party leader Raila Odinga is pushing for mass action to resist President Ruto’s government, which he has repeatedly said is illegitimate.
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“Leaders must join hands, foster coexistence and work together in confronting the challenges facing our country. They must endeavour to lead by example and serve the interest of the people. This is a sure route to a more united and developed Kenya,” President Ruto said after the meeting.
And while echoing the president’s sentiments, Alai has said there is nothing wrong with the MPs meeting the head of state.
Nothing wrong with this. Development must go to even opposition zones. pic.twitter.com/UFN52pqhte
— Robert ALAI (@RobertAlai) February 7, 2023
Also read: Selfish: ODM reacts to Jalango and other Azimio MPs meeting President Ruto
Some ODM leaders have since called out the group for ‘dining with their enemy,’ with an Azimio Parliament Group meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The party’s Director of Communication Philip Etale accused the MPs of trying to undermine Mr Odinga, adding that their objective to press the Kenya Kwanza government to resign will go on.
“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,” Mr Etale said in press release.
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ODM has also accused President Ruto of trying to buy the opposition MPs in a bid to weaken the Azimio team which is out to put the Kenya Kwanza 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 in order to provide the leadership Kenyans want, but all along, we knew the enemy will not sit pretty,” Etale said.
The party has further asked its supporters not to be distracted by leaders whom it said are pursuing personal interests at the expense of people’s well-being.
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