ODM rebel MPs meet DP Gachagua, discuss development projects
By Mary Ouko, February 17, 2023
Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor popularly known Jalang’o and other Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rebels MPs met Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The MPs are accused of betraying their party after they met President William Ruto at the State House on Tuesday, February 7, 2023,
The visit followed shortly after the lawmakers; Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Rongo MP Paul Abuor, and Jalang’o met Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu and Information, Communication and the Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo.
DP Gachagua noted that the meeting was meant to consult on development priority programmes for their respective constituencies.
He noted that they had agreed on continuous engagement with the rebel MPs and other leaders across the country.
“The Ruto Administration is clear that no one will be left behind in development. Elections are over, and Kenyans have moved on. In this regard, I held consultations with ODM MPs on their development priority programmes,”
“Together with the legislators and Cabinet Secretary for ICT Eliud Owalo and Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo, we agreed on continuous engagements with the legislators, and indeed leaders from all parts of the country irrespective of political or any other affiliation,” he stated.
The visit comes amidst threats from the ODM party to discipline the lawmakers for going against the party’s constitution and the Political Parties Act after meeting President William Ruto.
Raila branded the lawmakers’ as traitors and called for their expulsion. He challenged the MPs to resign and seek re-election.
“They should be seen for what they are, they are traitors,” Raila stated.
Last week, the party, through the office of its chairman John Mbadi issued show-cause letters to the legislators over the State House visit.