The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reacted after eight of its MPs abandoned party leader Raila Odinga and promised to work with President William Ruto.
The eight legislators including Langata MP Felix Oduor Jalango were on Tuesday, February 7 hosted by the Head of State at State House Nairobi where they assured Ruto that they won’t attend Azimio rallies.
The MPs include Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Shakeel Shabir (Independent – Kisumu Town East) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo).
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Jalang’o shared a photo with President Ruto at State House, confirming that he was among the MPs who had breakfast with the head of state.
“I followed up on the start date of the construction of affordable housing in the Highrise ward and the completion of the Langata TVET. The project is on, and the contractor is on the ground. An extra Ksh 50 million has been located for the completion,” Jalang’o said in a statement.
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale affirmed that the party was yet to receive an official report but pointed out that the politicians ought to be guided by the Azimio coalition, which helped them clinch seats in the 2022 General Election.
Etale also warned errant ODM members to quit if they felt dissatisfied with the day-to-day operations of the opposition.
“If the reports are true as alleged, let their conscience guide them. They were elected on Azimio tickets and should receive instructions from the coalition.
“If they believe that ODM is not sufficient for them, they should quit and join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA),” he stated.
Etale further said that no disciplinary action would be taken until the reports were confirmed. He noted that Jalang’o was in the party’s series of meetings during the weekend, and he couldn’t comprehend why he may have changed his mind if the reports were true as alleged.
The communication strategist also affirmed that Azimio supporters follow the guidance of Raila, NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua and Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni.
