Opposition MPs, including those who were recently expelled from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), met with President William Ruto on Wednesday. The meeting took place at State House in Nairobi and lasted for two hours.
The MPs who attended the meeting were Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Phelix Odiwuor (Lang’ata), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda. They were joined by Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
The MPs’ meeting with President Ruto comes days after ODM leader Raila Odinga vowed to ensure that those who were expelled from the party lose their seats. Raila accused the MPs of treachery for meeting with the president.
However, the MPs have appealed to the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, which on Tuesday revoked their expulsion until the hearing and decision of their case.
A source who was privy to the meeting said that the MPs reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government and supporting the development plans in the Nyanza region.
“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 the source.
The MPs also reportedly invited President Ruto to make another development tour of Luo Nyanza. They 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.
The MPs also praised the president for the seamless launch of flights to Migori County, which was made possible after their earlier interactions with the government.
The meeting between the MPs and President Ruto is seen as a sign of growing cooperation between the government and the opposition. It remains to be seen how this cooperation will impact the upcoming general election.