President William Ruto yesterday dismissed critics who have been saying he is unlikely to win a second term. Meantime, ODM lawmakers defied their party stalwarts’ warning against ‘blind sycophancy’ in their support for Ruto.
The President told those denigrating him that he had come a long way to occupy State House, saying many people did not believe he would be victorious.
“There are people talking about one term or two or three terms. I want to let you know that earlier, some people did not even think I would have any term as President, but who is God?” he said.
President Ruto said those who predicted he’d only serve one term were simply uneasy at his style of managing the country by bringing everyone on board.
“God has given me the opportunity to transform Kenya. That is why I am willing to work with all leaders and all Kenyans,” he said at a church service in Dagoretti North, Nairobi.
At that service, a group of ODM legislators broke ranks with the party and endorsed President Ruto’s reelection.
The MPs were George Aladwa (Makadara), TJ Kajwang’ (Ruaraka), Antony Oluoch (Mathare), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), Felix Odiwuor (Lang’ata) and Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga).
They crossed over, although their party has insisted it would field a candidate to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
ODM Central Committee in a meeting last Friday fired a warning shot at some of its members who are in bed with their rivals.
“We urge all our members that ODM is a distinct political force, committed to winning power through democratic means,” acting secretary general Anyang’ Nyong’o said.
“In this pursuit, let us be mindful of our words and actions and avoid supporting our competitors in ways that may undermine the party’s unity and goals.”
But yesterday, the ODM elected leaders led by Aladwa, said they will not be cowed in their support for Ruto whom they described as the best candidate in 2027.
The leaders cited Ruto’s development record as well as his unity drive for their support. They accompanied the President for a church service at United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Nairobi’s Dagoretti North constituency.
The double-speak has exposed simmering divisions within the party’s ranks raising questions about its cohesion and future.
Aladwa said the President has shown goodwill by co-opting five ODM leaders to his Cabinet and the party should reciprocate by supporting his re-election bid.
CSs John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Beatrice Askul (EAC) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) were co-opted.
“Unlike Shikuku [veteran opposition leader Martin Shikuku] who visited State House at night, we will go in broad daylight, we are not pretending when we say we are supporting you,” Aladwa said.
The Nairobi ODM county chairman also hit out at those calling Ruto a one-term President insisting they are in for a rude shock. Atandi told Ruto not to be distracted by naysayers plotting against his re-election.
“Some people are saying you are a one-term President, so long as you have God and Baba you will not serve one term,” he said.
