Azimio leader Raila Odinga has told off ODM rebels, saying that only the party can give nod for engagements with the president.
He said the rebels could not claim to have the ability to bring development through the president, yet the budget-making process in Parliament determined projects regions were to get.
Speaking during the conclusion of his two-day tour of Migori county, Raila reiterated that the new Constitution took away the power from the presidency to bring development to the people directly.
"Leaders in the past regimes used to follow presidents for them to get development for their regions. That ended with the old constitution. No development can come from the state house," he said.
Raila's two-day tour in Migori county comprised mainly of the launch of ODM registration in Nyatike, Uriri and Rongo, where UDA officials have been making forays to win the hearts to the people.
UDA leaders including ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Chairman Edick Anyanga, politician Odiso Ogega, and former Migori Governor Zachary Obado, have been moving in the three regions to popularize UDA and conduct grassroots registration of members.
Recently, the president toured Kuria East, Kuria West, Rongo and Uriri constituencies while accompanied by Nyamita, Abuor and MPs Mathias Robi (Kuria West) and Maisori Kitayama (Kuria East).
As he moved to solidify the ODM base, Raila termed the rebel MPs as traitors who were only lying to the people that they want to bring them development from State House.
He told the electorate not to be cheated by people only interested in their stomachs.
"When the budget has been passed and printed, nothing can be changed in it. Ruto would just come here and make noise and do nothing," he said.
Raila was speaking in Uriri town, where he opened the new ODM office, after which he proceeded to Rongo for mass party registration where he announced that they have started a new journey and party elections would be held in April next year.
He was accompanied by leaders including Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, ODM Chairman John Mbadi, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
Governor Ayacko said: "You cannot allow someone to welcome a thief to their father's home, and he opens their gate wide-open for the thieves to enter. The person here is promising to bring roads, and people are sleeping hungry and facing harsh times."
He asked residents to rally behind Raila's hands, saying he would lead them to a sure destination.
Junet challenged the ODM rebels to quit and seek a fresh mandate.
"If you are tired of ODM, exit and allow elections to be done. If you feel you want to go to another party, leave this one and go back to the people and vie using the party you want," the legislator stated.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita and Rongo MP Paul Abuor's absence during Raila's Migori tour was termed as betrayal, months after they received President Ruto to their constituencies.
"You cannot say you support Ruto and ODM at the same time," Senator Oketch said.
Nyatike MP Tom Odege told the rebels to decide where they stand, saying he does not want people to bring confusion to ODM.
"As ODM elected leaders, we must accept that we will die with Raila. Those who are not ready to do that are not for him," Odege said.
