A group of ODM party members who were part of a delegation President Ruto hosted at State House on Tuesday have come under attack from the party.
ODM Director of Communications Phillip Etale told the media that the legislators' travel to the State House was not unexpected.
The statement reads, "The party and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Movement have not been surprised by the visit to State House this morning by a portion of ODM Members of Parliament."
The party has been careful about some covert actions, and today was just the culmination.
ODM asserts that some of its leaders made decisions that undermined the party's leadership and went against the will of the voters who chose them for the posts.
Did you read this?
PRESIDENT HOLDS CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH ODM MPS
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) February 7, 2023
President @WilliamsRuto and Deputy President @rigathi Tuesday held a meeting with a section of MPs from Nyanza as a follow-up to his recent tour of the region. pic.twitter.com/BGIAm1dCS4
The opposition party asserted in the same statement that to derail ODM's planned nationwide rallies, the "illegitimate administration" had used stolen money to con some leaders.
The statement continues, "We knew the adversary would not sit nicely; three months ago, the Azimio la Umoja leadership started demonstrations to campaign for reclaiming its victory from the hands of the illegitimate government to offer the leadership Kenyans demand.
"They have begun using stolen funds to deceive some of our leaders in an effort to thwart our efforts. These gatherings are intended to distract Kenyans from the problems they confront, such as the high cost of living, the burdensome school fees for their children, and corruption."
The party urged Kenyans to disregard the visiting politicians, accusing them of being self-centred and driven by their stomachs at the expense of many struggling Kenyans.
According to ODM, the nationwide rallies will go as scheduled.
The message reads, "We know there will be individuals who fall by the wayside and those who will be in a tricky situation in the hunt for rightful leadership, but the MOVEMENT remains unstoppable.
"A movement of the people has been started in support of the national constitution. Leaders who wish to mislead Kenyans by taking assistance to sabotage the movement's efforts will face harsh judgment from history."
The Head of State indicated that he held a consultative meeting with the leaders after his most recent trip to Luo Nyanza, albeit it is unclear what exactly was
In a statement published on Twitter, President Ruto asked leaders to work together to overcome Kenya's issues by fostering harmony.
President Ruto said he will work with leaders from across the political divide for the sake of the country’s unity and economic transformation.
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) February 7, 2023
The legislators thanked the President for his visit to Nyanza and said their constituents are interested in service delivery. pic.twitter.com/lVpQAZNfgc
Several lawmakers from Luo Nyanza made up the majority of the delegation on Tuesday, including 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.
The president already met with Uhuru's Jubilee party members in January, and this round, he is meeting with MPs connected to Raila Odinga and the Azimio coalition.
