ODM Leaders Rally Behind Ruto During Migori Tour as Raila Allies’ Split Widens

A growing divide among close allies of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga was on full display Sunday during President William Ruto’s three-day tour of Migori County, as key ODM figures publicly endorsed the broad-based government while criticizing party colleagues opposed to the arrangement.

In a particularly pointed moment, Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila Odinga’s elder brother, directly challenged Siaya Governor James Orengo’s vocal opposition to the Ruto-Raila political truce.

“When my governor stands up and says he is annoyed, I don’t know with whom, and claims he just wants to speak the truth, I ask myself: what truth?” Oginga said during the President’s visit.

“Those who think this broad-based government is wrong are vomiting on us from within. Why don’t they step out and vomit there?”

Oginga emphasized the pragmatic benefits of the political arrangement: “If you want to fight, there is a space where you can do that; for us, our people are waiting for these services. It is our time to work; our people are waiting for it and not to eat anybody’s shares.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo.

President Defends Broad-Based Government

President Ruto used the occasion to reinforce his commitment to the political truce with Odinga, explaining that their collaboration aims to transcend divisive politics that have plagued the country.

“We agreed with Raila that Kenya should not be divided. We vowed to bring together Kenyans and formed the broad-based government to ensure no region is left behind. There must be equity in sharing resources,” Ruto said during an inter-denominational church service at Kadika Primary School in Suna East.

The President warned that some leaders oppose the political formation for selfish gain, attempting to create division rather than unity.

ODM Leaders Voice Support

Several prominent ODM leaders present voiced strong support for continued collaboration with Ruto’s administration despite mounting criticism from within their own ranks.

National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed assured President Ruto of ODM’s continued support, saying Kenya would only develop through equitable resource distribution.

“Let us collaborate and not be competitors. Our agenda is bigger than politics and we will support you through legislative agenda to change the country,” Mohamed said.

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko even apologized for colleagues opposed to the arrangement: “The broad-based government is needed in nations that are divided. Out of respect, you’ve put your differences aside to work for the country. I apologise for my colleagues who are against the agreement.”

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda described the political formation as “one of the best political formations Kenya has made,” noting the irony that those who once called him a rebel for supporting Ruto now themselves support the government.

Development Projects Announced

During his tour, Ruto announced numerous development initiatives for the region, including:

– Sh700 million for contractors in Migori and an additional Sh2 billion for roads in the upcoming financial year
– A bypass to reduce traffic jams in Migori town
– Sh1.4 billion for last-mile electricity connectivity to serve 18,000 households
– Funds to improve Muhuru Bay pier, including a fish landing site and road improvements
– Sh700 million for rehabilitation of Migori stadium
– Sh350 million for a new market in Migori Town
– 2,000 affordable housing projects with contracts to be announced within two weeks

Kasipul MP Murder Controversy

The President’s visit came just a day after ODM Chair Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, and other Nyanza MPs threatened to dissolve the Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA if they don’t receive answers regarding the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were.

Addressing these concerns, President Ruto promised justice: “They will have nowhere to hide. We will go after them and their collaborators.”

Incident Mars Visit

The tour faced a disruption in Kuria West when an unidentified person threw a shoe at President Ruto, which he managed to block from hitting his face. The incident occurred amid a surge of crowds toward the podium.

Despite this incident and the evident political tensions, the majority of ODM leaders present emphasized the practical benefits of cooperation with the national government over ideological differences, highlighting a significant shift in the region’s traditionally opposition-leaning political stance.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita summarized the sentiment, claiming the region has benefited more in the nearly one-year broad-based government than during the entire three-plus years of the “handshake” between Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“This broad-based government continues to unlock key economic sectors for us,” Nyamita said. “As leaders from this region, we also want to make it clear that we are firmly behind the President, now and in future.”