A section of ODM leaders have urged their supporters to avoid engaging in demonstrations against President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
The party’s national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino and nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola said ODM has a working arrangement with the government.
“Many of ODM supporters have protested in the country for so long and this time round, they have remained aback. We’re working with the Kenya Kwanza government under a broad base, hence we can’t hold anti-government protests,” Wanga said.
Many ODM perceived strongholds remained calm during the last two nationwide demonstrations organised by Gen Z recently.
Wanga said they will not be party to demonstrations meant to castigate Ruto’s government and they would not yield to pressure and urge their supporters to go back to the streets as was previously the case.
Addressing journalists during the launch of a modern market constructed by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund in collaboration with Osogo’s office at Ratang’a trading centre in Ndhiwa on Monday, urged supporters to keep off street demonstrations.
She accused the opposition of being “jealous” of ODM’s co-operation with the government.
“They just want us to quit the broad-based government so that they can replace us. We’re telling our supporters not to buy their ideas,” Wanga said.
“‘Ruto-must-go’ is not an agenda that can transform any lives in this country.”
The inter-generational conclave championed by ODM leader Raila Odinga would provide solutions to the problems ailing the country, the leaders.
“The demonstrations being undertaken by the opposition cannot solve any problems in this country. The dialogue which Raila has proposed is the best way to go,” Osogo said.
She urged the youth to embrace peaceful co-existence to enable economic prosperity in the country.
“Today, we are opening a Sh28 million modern market here in Ratang’a because of peaceful co-existence. Let us be peace lovers,” Osogo said.
Owino urged the youth to consider talks to enable the country’s economic prosperity.
“The dialogue is very important and should be understood clearly. Let our young people embrace the dialogue to enable us to get a common ground for solving the issues affecting us,” Owino said.
ODM leader
Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, said the broad-based government would bring development.
“Let us make use of the broad-based government so that we can grow economically,” Ida said.
by ROBERT OMOLLO
