Is the relationship crumbling? Ruto, Raila hold parallel rallies as MPs talk of new alliance
Posted by African Press International on August 22, 2009
By Kenan Miruka and Peter Atsiaya
The rift in ODM appeared to widen as party leader Raila Odinga and one of his deputies William Ruto held parallel rallies within a radius of 5km in Gucha.
While Raila campaigned for the party’s candidate in the Bomachoge by-election, Mr Simon Ogari, Ruto led 14 MPs in discussing succession politics, the Mau forest and the Imanyara Bill on a local tribunal to try post election violence suspects at a funds drive in South Mugirango constituency.
And the MPs who accompanied Ruto to ODM treasurer Omingo Magara’s South Mugirango base hinted at a new political alliance ahead of the 2012 elections.
Magara introduced officials of a little known party — People’s Development Party (PDP) — and told his guests to take them seriously.
“This party should be watched keenly because it reflects the future,” he said as he introduced the chairman, Mr Momanyi Bogonko.
Party alliances
Magara asked Abagusii MPs to forge political alliances.
“It’s time for new political alliances. Kisii leaders should find ways of getting to the table. Kalonzo Musyoka had less than 20 MPs and he is now the Vice-President,” he said.
He added: “From today, we will form new alliances regardless of party affiliations.”
Ruto accused Imanyara of being used by certain individuals to take Kenyans in circles over the post-election violence trials.
“We are wasting time over trivial issues. MPs had agreed that the matter be taken to The Hague. The Waki envelope is already opened and there is no need campaigning for a local tribunal,” he added.
Contrary to expectations, Raila and Ruto did not team up at either function.
Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat almost let the cat out of the bag when he said: “Those who love politics are in Bomachoge. Those who love development are in South Mugurango.”
Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lesonet accused the party leadership of failing to unite members.
“If ODM has failed to manage a national party, can it be expected to manage a country?” he asked.
Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba also hinted at a new a alliance, saying: “When you see this impressive constellation of leaders, know something is a foot.”
Curiously, even the head of the ODM Secretariat, Ms Janet Ongera, did not join her party leader in Bomachoge and instead attended Magara’s funds drive.
But unruffled by the events in South Mugirango, Raila braved the dust and hot sun to campaign for the ODM candidate.
He said the party could not afford to lose Bomachoge and Shinyalu parliamentary seats.
“We need these seats to boost our numbers in Parliament and we need your help,” he told a rally.
He said the Government would deliver services faster to the people.
Among MPs present was Education minister Sam Ongeri, Assistant Minister Cecily Mbarire and Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi.
The function was at the same spot where Ruto, Magara and other ODM leaders were attacked by armed PNU youths in 2007 as they campaigned.
source.standard.ke
