ODM governor Paul Otuoma defends close relationship with President Ruto
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has dismissed critics questioning his close relationship with President William Ruto.
The county boss, who was elected under the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in 2022, says his closeness to the Head of State is for the benefit of Busia residents.
Mr Otuoma insists that it is through a partnership with the current Kenya Kwanza government that his county will experience development and growth.
He refutes claims that he has been ‘swallowed up’ by the government led by President Ruto.
“I am working hard in Busia and when I engage with the President, people insinuate that I have been bought. Why can’t you judge my actions?” the governor asked in a video on April 27.
Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition, which includes the ODM party, has consistently accused the Kenya Kwanza government of lobbying and enticing opposition MPs to support government projects, even when they go wrong.
At one point, the ODM leader, who is now working closely with President Ruto following his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), criticised the head of state, claiming that his efforts to engage opposition lawmakers were aimed at weakening the opposition in the country.
Despite the criticism from some ODM members, Governor Otuoma has defended himself, claiming that his county is working with the national government for the sake of progress.
“We have to work with the government in power,” he said.
While it remains unclear whether Mr Odinga will contest the 2027 general election to challenge President Ruto, Mr Otuoma believes that the ODM party will need to form a strong coalition to secure the presidency.
“New alliances are being formed all the time. ODM cannot contest the national elections without a coalition,” he stressed.
The governor reiterated his unwavering loyalty to ODM.
He is advocating unity as the opposition party prepares for the grassroots leadership elections.
He also urges political leaders from Western Kenya to unite the region and ensure they have a role in the next government.
Currently, former Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, who is also the leader of the Ford Kenya party, is the Speaker of the National Assembly, and
Musalia Mudavadi, leader of the Amani National Congress (ANC) party, holds the position of Cabinet Secretary in the Kenya Kwanza administration.