Ruto hosts ODM rebel MPs days after expulsion

Piece by: JAMES MBAKA
Politics

• The president held talks with the seven ODM lawmakers for two hours at the State House.

President Ruto holds talks with ODM expelled MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Phelix Odiwuor (Lang’ata) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda. Interior PS Raymond Omollo was also present.
Image: PCS

On Wednesday, opposition MPs, including those ousted from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), met with President William Ruto.

Days after ODM leader Raila Odinga made a promise to ensure those who were ejected lost their seats, the president met for two hours at State House with the seven ODM lawmakers.

After the MPs repeatedly went to State House to meet the president over ODM's protest, Raila accused them of treachery.

Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Phelix Odiwuor (Lang'ata), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, all expelled members of the ODM, were there.

There was also Interior PS Raymond Omollo.

However, they have appealed to the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, which on Tuesday revoked their expulsion until the hearing and decision of their case.

The gathering also included Mark Nyamita (Uriri) and Paul Abuor (Rongo), who were given reduced penalties by ODM last week.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating with the government and supporting the development plans in the Nyanza region, according to a person with knowledge of the conversations.

''They have said they will continue working with government for the benefit of their region and as politicians, they will chart their political path no matter the consequences,'' said a source.

A few months after Ruto camped there to launch projects, the leaders reportedly went to State House to formally invite him on another development tour of Luo Nyanza.

They also praised the president for taking action to address long-standing issues in the sugar sector and pledged to support the sugar law that will be discussed in Parliament on Thursday.

In addition, the leaders praised the president for the seamless launch of flights to Migori County in the wake of their earlier interactions with the government.

On Wednesday, the first flight from Nairobi to Migori departed.

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