Kisumu Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials have told off critics of the new political cooperation between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), defending the historic accord signed by party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
The party through its coordinating committee challenged those opposing the new alliance.
In a statement read by Jonhon Guya, Secretary of the ODM Kisumu County coordinating Committee, they further faulted Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for terming the pact as a betrayal.
This comes even as the Kisumu ODM officials express their unwavering support for the political partnership between the two leaders following the announcement of their cooperation last week.
The accord, signed after nationwide consultations, is seen by the Kisumu ODM leaders as a necessary step towards reconciliation and national healing.
They noted that the new cooperation has shocked and surprised politicians who were already beating the drums of war and were plotting to obliterate Kenya into political and tribal war zones.
“We thank Raila and President Ruto for cooling political temperatures in the county. We are proud to state that the accord announced at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre is not only historic but a brave move that has put Kenya in a reconciliatory mode,” they said.
The officials noted that the new political dispensation once again proves to the world that Raila is a statesman and a peacemaker who has his country at heart.
"He has been wronged many times and often denied his right to victory, but he always turns back to pacify his motherland. For this reconciliatory spirit, history will judge ‘Baba’ very kindly."
“ To the doomsday and power-hungry politicians who are opposed to the peace initiatives by Raila and Ruto, we say 'Poleni Sana'”, they said
The Kisumu ODM officials reiterated that they would not tolerate the use of divisive tribal politics.
They called on politicians to focus on their own campaigns without dragging Raila into their rhetoric.
"We stand for unity, development, and peace and we will protect the UDA-ODM partnership at all costs. The future of this country depends on collaboration, not division."
Speaking during the briefing, assembly speaker Elisha Oraro, while reiterating what had been read by the secretary of the party coordinating committee, noted that people should read what was signed by the party and UDA.
He noted that ODM had not veered off its ideology.
“If you look at the points that are put there it is geared towards ensuring that the public interest is taken into consideration”.
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