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A section of Orange Democratic Movement MPs have vowed to break ranks with majority of their colleagues in the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s party and support their United Democratic Alliance counterparts to push for President William Ruto’s reelection in 2027.

The lawmakers also told off President Ruto’s critics over alleged abductions, insisting the government is rightfully dealing with individuals using social media to mudsling senior officials.

MPs George Aladwa (Makadara), Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Marwa Kitayama (Kuria East) and Mathias Robi (Kuria West) called for unity and understanding as Kenya navigates through the tough political climate.

“The stability meant that the importers would continue purchasing products at the international market at cheaper prices. But Kenyans are not talking about the positive gains, they only want to focus on the negative. Wrong,’’ the MP said

In addition, the UDA MPs, Marwa and Robi said the government is working on the successful implementation of the affordable housing and universal health coverage even amidst constant criticism.

Atandi and Aladwa urged fellow MPs and citizens to place the nation’s interests above political squabbles and support the president’s leadership as he works towards ensuring a better future for all Kenyans.

“Ruto will be re-elected for a second term,’’ claimed Atandi, while Aladwa said the ODM can’t lie that it’s supporting the President. “We are solidly behind Ruto and support his bid for a second term,’’ he declared.

Declare support

Aladwa said ODM) will not pretend or shy away from declaring support for    Ruto. Aladwa who also spoke at a church service attended by the President in Nairobi told off dissatisfied ODM leaders who are questioning the party’s working relations with Kenya Kwanza Administration.

He said the fact that the President appointed ODM members to his Cabinet was evidence enough that the party is supporting his administration and that leaders elected through the party will not shy away from speaking about it.

“Mr President, I want to assure you that we will support you and visit you during the day without fearing anything because there is nothing to hide,” Aladwa said.

The legislator said the party will take a bold step in supporting the President to achieve his development agenda

Aladwa who is the ODM Nairobi branch chairman told off party members speaking ill of the broad-based government, warning that the unfolding political activities will sweep them aside once Raila Odinga wins the African Union Commission chairman position.

“We are just waiting for Raila to win and you will see what will follow next in our country,” he added.

“In Nairobi we will not pretend about our support for you,we will work with you and visit you anytime,” he added

But last week, ODM party distanced itself from claims it will support President William Ruto’s re-election, insisting the party remains independent even as the MPs heaped praise on the President.

In a statement from the Central Management Committee led by the acting party leader, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, the party warned that ODM remains a distinct party focused on clinching power in 2027.

Democratic means

“ODM remains a distinct political party in competition with all others to win power by democratic means,” stated ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Sifuna, who said there is no official working relationship between ODM and UDA, claimed that  the President could still lose the 2027 elections even with support from ODM.

But the pro-Ruto ODM leaders called for more constructive dialogue between the government and opposition to resolve any grievances in a peaceful and diplomatic manner focusing on nation-building rather than political divisions.

This show of bipartisan solidarity is seen by many as a positive step toward reducing political polarization and fostering a more cooperative and unified approach to governance, especially as the country grapples with security concerns and other pressing national issues.

They urged all leaders to work together in supporting the President’s initiatives for the betterment of the country. Atandi assured President William Ruto that as long as he stays close to former Premier Raila Odinga and keeps faith in God, he will not be a one-term president. Raila is tipped for the AUC chairmanship job. Ruto is fronting him.