Selfish leaders: Etale says on ODM legislators meeting with Ruto
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale has added to the speculations rising after a section of the party’s members of Parliament had a meeting with President William Ruto on Tuesday.
In a statement seen by NTV, Etale said it is no surprise that the party members met with Ruto adding that some shift in allegiance was expected after the August poll defeat.
“The party has been monitoring closely the behind-the-scenes activities involving some of them and today was just the climax,” Etale said.
He added that party leader Raila Odinga has been undermined by some leaders since the August 9 elections.
The MPs who met with Ruto include Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East, Independent) Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
Etale accused the Kenya Kwanza government of using 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,” he said.
“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.”
The State House visit now rises tension in the party ahead of the Azimio Parliament Group meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Already, speculations have been high with claims that some Azimio allies will be punished for conspicuously missing at the Azimio rallies.
Even so, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has refuted the claims, saying no such thing has been discussed.