ODM MPs Reject Ruto’s State House Call as Party Faces Leadership Shift Post-Raila

The meeting was almost postponed after only three out of 19 elected ODM MPs showed up for the President Ruto’s meeting at State House.

Edwin Sifuna the Nairobi Senator confirmed that he received the invitation but it was extremely disrespectful.

“First of all, the President has no powers to convene members of ODM. Secondly, as a legislator, I find it repugnant to the doctrine of separation of powers for a President to summon us to State House. I found the invitation extremely disrespectful and ill motivated to perpetuate nefarious political ends,” said Sifuna.

The three ODM leaders who showed up for the meeting were Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), Esther Passaris (Nairobi MP) and George Aladwa (Makadara).

Felix Odour, Lang’ata MP joined President William Ruto in the inspection of affordable housing but did not attend the meeting at State House.

Aladwa invited his 19 colleagues in a meeting with a statement that read;

“Good morning, I hope you have woken up well by the grace of God Amen and very urgent and sorry for the short notice, the President has requested we accompany him to Highrise Ward Langata constituency in Nairobi at 11 am. After the housing tour, we as ODM Party Nairobi County members of Parliament will have a sitting/meeting with He today Monday, September 9, 2024 at State House. Thank You and be blessed.”

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino did not attend the meeting and said he wanted to he with the people.

“You can’t be on both sides. At the moment, I am with the people, so until such a time when Ruto starts working for the people is when I can sit with him on the same table. If he is not working for the people, then there is nothing I can discuss with him,” Babu Owino said.

Antony Oluoch Mathare Mp said he was abroad and he couldn’t manage to attend the meeting.

“I am just from home, I was not around,” Antony said.

Since Raila announced that he will be quiting local politics and focus on his UAC politics. UDA will therefore need someone who will succeed Raila.

James Orengo, Anyang’ Nyong’o and Edwin Sifuna have been mentioned as possible replacements for Raila.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi backed Sifuna to replace Raila saying it ODM Party need a youthful blood.

“The ODM party is ripe for youthful blood. The rejuvenation of Africa’s biggest democratic party lies in the freshness, energy, charisma, enthusiasm and dedication of its youthful supporters,” Amisi said.