Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has castigated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for expelling five Members of Parliament from his ODM party over their association with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking on Friday, September 9, during a funeral service in Kericho, the DP said Raila’s decision shows that he is not genuine with the ongoing bipartisan talks.
“Raila says he wants to have talks with the president, but when his allies meet with Ruto he expels them from the party. Is he genuine?” asked Gachagua.
Further, Gachagua defended the expelled MPs saying they met the President to discuss the economic development agenda in the regions they represent.
“We should not waste time, this guy (Raila) is not genuine about any dialogue or discussion. If he was genuinew, why is he punishing MPs who have come to sit with William Ruto?” posed the DP.
Additionally, Gachagua questioned why Raila did not have a problem with the decision made by Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to attend a meeting at State House.
“If Raila comes to State House there’s is no problem, recently we were at State House at night and Kalonzo popped in. Why haven’t they expelled Kalonzo from Azimio Coalition,” said Gachagua.
In August, Gachagua came under fire for dismissing bipartisan talks between Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza side.
“Nothing will come out of those talks. It is a waste of time. I’m telling you as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” the DP remarked.
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Raila Stand
However, Raila Odinga insists that leaders elected via the ODM should either toe the line or resign.
Speaking in Migori on Friday, September 8, the opposition chief said the party will not tolerate misconduct from the members.
“If you were elected via the ODM party, you have an agreement with the party for five years. Same applies to those elected via Jubilee or UDA. You must follow the rules and regulations of that party,” said Raila.
In addition, Raila explained that the political arena is competitive, and leaders cannot claim to seek economic development from another party simply because it is in government.
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“You visit State House against the wish of those who elected you in the name of looking for development.
There is no development at State House, you have deviated from the agenda of the ODM party, and you must be punished,” added Raila.
Further, Raila noted that the party will seek legal ways of punishing members boasting that they will serve for five years even after the expulsion.
Additionally, Raila stated he will not relent in punishing rebel party members.
The remarks by Gachagua came days after the orange party cracked the whip on rebel members, including expelling Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour popularly known as Jalang’o.
Odinga’s party also kicked out Kisumu Senator and Senior Counsel Prof Tom Ojienda.
