'We're being betrayed': ODM says after MPs visit Ruto at State House

President William Ruto with a section of Luo Nyanza lawmakers whom he hosted at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. [Courtesy of Twitter]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party says it did not endorse Luo Nyanza leaders' visit to President William Ruto on Tuesday, February 7.

President Ruto, in a statement posted on his official Twitter page on Tuesday, said the leaders visited him to "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," said Dr. Ruto.

Among those who visited the Head of State are Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir and Gem MP Elisha Ochieng.

Others are Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Paul Abuor (Rongo) and John Owino (Awendo).

ODM now says that it did not give the green light to its MPs to visit Ruto at State House.

"The visit to State House this morning by a section of ODM members of parliament has not come as a surprise to the party and the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Movement.

"The party has been monitoring closely the behind-the-scenes activities involving some of them and today was just the climax," the party said in a press statement, suggesting that some of its members were working secretly with President Ruto's camp.

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"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," added ODM.

The party accuses the Head of State of using State resources to "buy" some of its members in the Legislature.

"They have started spending stolen money to hoodwink some of our leaders with the aim of trying to scuttle our activities. Such meetings are aimed at diverting the attention of Kenyans from issues they are faced with, ranging from the high cost of living, unbearable school fees for their children, and corruption.

"We know that in the quest for legitimate leadership, there are those who will fall by the wayside, and some will be compromised, but the movement remains unstoppable. History will judge harshly leaders who want to betray Kenyans by accepting handouts to scuttle the activities of the movement.

"We call on Kenyans to ignore such selfish leaders who only care about their stomachs and not the well-being of the millions of poor Kenyans."