By Sefu Sabila
A section of Orange Democratic Movement Party (ODM) has dismissed the calls by their other Azimio One Kenya Alliance coalition to move out of the opposition umbrella.
Led by the party’s Deputy Leader Senator Godfrey Ososti, they termed the move as side show by their partners, adding that the party cannot be intimidated by their colleagues.
He refuted the remarks by former Defence Cabinet Secretary and Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K) Eugene Wamalwa, urging him to use the correct channels in the coalition to address issues.
“We think our coalition partners are just playing drama, and ODM is not ready for such drama. ODM is the biggest party in the coalition and we shall not be intimidated by small parties in the coalition. We have structures and do things in a structured way. To my brother Eugene, you have no locus standing to lecture us on anything,” Ososti said.
In a statement released by the ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga defending the party’s decision to work with President’s William Ruto, was to secure the country stability following a series of protests.
Wanga restated that the ODM has no any agreement with government, following the appointment of their senior members to key ministries in the government, but as individuals fit to deliver the president’s agenda.
“There is no agreement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza that makes the two joint partners in government. The party leader has explained, and we reiterate that the members have not joined the government as representatives of the party, but as individuals whom the president felt have the capacity to add value to his administration and help the country to achieve the desired goals,” Wanga affirmed.
She further stated that the party will continue to play its minority role along other parties in the opposition to push for accountability, equity and delivery of services to the people in the cost-effective way.
Wanga accused their partners for not being honest after questioning the Raila’s and ODM moves, a motive she said was to frustrate the leadership of the coalition in parliament, saying ODM still has the highest number of MPs.
“On the matter at hand, the questioning of ODM and Rt. Hon Raila Odinga’s commitment to opposition –our partners are not acting in good faith. They are hiding behind the three gentlemen and one lady who joined government and using it to try and wrestle with leadership of the houses of Parliament from ODM. We find that unacceptable. We wish to reiterate the obvious, that House leadership is about numbers in the house, not hose in government,” she further stated.
On Sunday, August 18, a section of leaders including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jeremiah Kioni PNU Secretary General dismissed Raila sentiments about former president Uhuru Kenyatta asking him to talk with Ruto to cool the heightened political temperatures in the country.
Mt Kenya Times