Political differences between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga are not an enmity, former Bomet Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’etich has said.
Ng’etich said it is a fallacy for some Luo Nyanza residents to believe that Ruto and Raila are enemies because they believe in different political ideologies.
Raila and Ruto worked together in 2007 but parted ways in politics in the 2013 general election.
Ng’etich argued that politics is dynamic and the current wedge between President Ruto and Raila should not be used as an obstacle to bar Nyanza residents from working closely with the ruling party UDA and the Kenya Kwanza government.
"It’s misleading for one to say that President Ruto and Raila are enemies because of different political ideologies. Some use it to block willing residents from joining the government,” Ng’etich said.
Speaking on Friday during UDA membership registration at Rawinji Chief’s Camp in Oyugis town within Kasipul constituency, the former woman rep urged residents to feel free to join UDA.
She said this will enhance their chances of benefiting from the fruits of President Ruto's government and called on Nyanza leaders to embrace political tolerance.
The registration was spearheaded by chairman of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, Odoyo Owidi and Fish Marketing Authority chairman Martin Ogindo.
Present were Dave Kalo, Jack Nduri and Karachuonyo politician Kennedy Obuya. They registered 876 members during the exercise.
"I want to urge the people of Nyanza to register for UDA membership,” Ng’etich said.
Owidi said it is wrong for anybody to deter residents of the region from joining political parties of their choice.
He argued that the Constitution of Kenya allows citizens to join a political party of their choice, adding that they do not coerce people to join UDA.
Owidi scolded leaders who have been criticising eight MPs from Nyanza who decided to work with the government.
He said elections are behind them now and all they want is development.
"Kenya is a multiparty democracy and as enshrined in the Constitution. Nobody should dictate to anyone a political party to join in Nyanza,” Owidi said.
Ogindo asked Nyanza residents to take advantage of Ruto’s olive branch for them to join government.
He argued that Ruto had pledged to undertake development projects in Nyanza even though majority of residents never voted for him in the 2022 presidential election.
"Let Nyanza people cooperate with the government to enhance development. President Ruto means well for the people of Nyanza," Ogindo said.
The former Rangwe MP asked the people of Nyanza to take advantage of the opportunity they have been given to work closely with UDA for economic growth.
He urged residents to embrace aquaculture to enable them achieve the desired economic growth.
"We’re doing politics of economic growth. I want people to embrace fish production to enhance development," he added.