President William Ruto has today met a section of Mps from his nemesis Raila Odinga’s luo backyard sparking speculation about what could be cooking behind the scenes since nothing in politics happens by chance.
The meeting which has taken place amidst a protracted war of words between Azimio la Umoja and the Kenya Kwanza government was attended by nine MPs led by former Raila aide Caroli Omondi who is the current Suba South Mp.
Others present included Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Phelix Odiwor Jalango (Langata), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East, Independent), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo) and Tom Ojienda (Kisumu).
“Leaders must join hands, foster coexistence and work together in confronting the challenges facing our country. They must endeavour to lead by example and serve the interest of the people. This is a sure route to a more united and developed Kenya,” Ruto has said after the meeting which has just ended.
While some of the attendants of the meeting like Caroli have previously said that they will work with the government in order to lobby for projects for their people, it is the timing of the meeting that is raising eyebrows.
“Smart politicians always find a way to work with the government for the betterment of their constituencies…and I know Caroli and Prof Ojienda are very smart dudes,” lawyer Ahmed Ahmednassir has said of the meeting.
Raila who has insisted he won the 2022 election, has for a long time controlled Luo Nyanza politics and very few politicians would dare to be seen as working with his opponents. The appointment of Eliud Owalo as ICT Cabinet Secretary has however created some wriggle room for politicians from the region to work with the government without Raila’s permission.
Jalango has for instance said that among the things they discussed with the Head of State is the affordable housing project in Lang’ata.
“Today we had breakfast with the president, I followed up on the Start date of the construction of affordable housing in the Highrise ward and the completion of the Langata TVET. The project is on and the contractor is on the ground, an extra 50 million has been located for the completion,” Jalang’o stated.