If you thought that the discussions surrounding William Ruto’s visit to Nyanza were going to end anytime soon, you are in for a rude shock as the discussions regarding the same seem to be gaining momentum as the days go by.
Ruto’s visit to Nyanza was seen as a developmental tour but the ODM legislators did not buy any of that as they suggested that the tour was to advance Ruto’s 2022 political ambition.
The ODM MPs even claimed that Ruto did not invite them to his events as his mind was already set on politicking.
Ruto also asked elected leaders to shun petty politics and embrace the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila.
Ruto’s allies have now joined the debate and accused the opposition chief of being insincere in his dealings with the Jubilee faction. They have accused Raila of Marshalling his troops to snub Ruto’s events saying that the opposition was kind of offering a raw deal to the Jubilee camp.
The Jubilee MPs have asked Raila Odinga to allow leaders from his party to interact with leaders from any political divide.
“Raila talks of having embraced democracy and peace yet he bars leaders, especially from Kisumu, Siaya and Migori, from attending Ruto’s development tours. We ask him to be a statesman and allow ODM leaders to interact with Ruto and everyone else,” said Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen.
Mr Murkomen warned Raila that if he stopped his party members from embracing and working with Rift Valley leaders, he risked forfeiting the goodwill of the Kalenjin community. “Raila must demonstrate that he is not out to zone his political turf from his competitors,” said Murkomen.
The Jubilee leaders’ narrative seem to echo those of President Uhuru Kenyatta. The head of state weighed in on the debate and criticized leaders who try to bar others from visiting their areas of representation. According to the President, anybody who has got the right to visit whichever place he/she wants to push their political agenda.
“Aliye na haja ya kura ana uhuru wa kutembea pande zote za Kenya na aitafute kwa njia ya amani kwa sababu sera zake ndizo zitamuuza…na hiyo ndiyo siasa tunazozitaka,” said the President.
Ruto and his allies are seemingly sleeping with one eye open as they monitor Raila Odinga’s moves and theatrics.
Do you agree with the Jubilee leaders’ claims that Raila is offering them a Raw Deal?