President William Ruto’s allies are now pressuring the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition to expel its leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka for meeting him.
Musyoka joined delegates and heads of state for a banquet on Wednesday evening at State House, Nairobi.
This was the first time the Azimio co-leader visited State House since President Ruto took over power.
ODM expels five MPs
His visit came hours after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party expelled five MPs for “gross misconduct and going against party position.”
Those who were expelled include; MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Felix Odiwuor (Lang’ata) and Senator Ojienda.
The lawmakers were part of the ODM team that visited President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi earlier this year, irking the opposition party.
Raila is hypocritical!
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei accused Azimio leader Raila Odinga and the larger opposition of double standards in the matter.
“Double standards by Azimio-OKA/Tinga is unprecedented & hypocritical because Kalonzo was in State House yesterday where before him my law lecturer Sen. Prof. Ojienda, Jalango & others visited State House they have been expelled.
“Will Kalonzo also be expelled from Azimio-OKA /Wiper Party for going to State House yesterday?” he posed.
Raila also met Ruto!
Cherargei believes Odinga should also be expelled for meeting President Ruto.
“This political conmanship, intimidation, and blackmail must come to an end! Kitawaramba !.” the lawmaker added.
Milicent Omanga, 2022 Nairobi Woman Rep aspirant, questioned why only leaders from Luo-Nyanza were expelled yet many from other regions have defected to the ruling party UDA.
“How come the ODM party has expelled only Luo leaders yet there are other leaders from other regions aligned to ODM and AZIMIO who are also supporting and working with Kenya Kwanza Government.”
Raila shakes hands with DP Gachagua
Gatanga Member of Parliament (MP) Edward Muriu advised the expelled ODM lawmakers to stay put as the will of the people was greater than that of their party leadership.
“Yesterday, Raila Odinga greeted DP Rigathi Gachagua and attended a government Function on #ACS2023, today Kalonzo Musyoka was in State House, Why have they not been expelled?” Muriu added.
Meanwhile, the Odinga-led party will begin the process of deregistering the expelled legislators from the party. This means several by-elections are imminent.
