Raila Odinga Lays Trap for President William Ruto as ODM Seeks to Punish Rebels

The expulsion of five ODM members who had rebelled against the party's stance on the ruling coalition has caused concern for ongoing talks between President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Both parties acknowledge that this development could affect the ongoing dialogue. Odinga's decision to expel the lawmakers could be viewed as a trap for the President as one of the issues being negotiated is non-interference with rival parties. ODM has put Ruto in a difficult position as they plan to remove the expelled MPs from parliamentary committees. Odinga accuses the members of derailing the opposition and calls for respect of ideologies, the Constitution, and the rules of rival parties for the growth of political parties in Kenya.

He advises leaders elected on the party ticket to either remain loyal or seek re-election. Discussions are being held to resolve the 2022 post-election stalemate with a focus on the importance of loyalty to political parties and the need to prevent interference. Allegations have been made against Kenya Kwanza for causing problems in the Jubilee Party and attempting to remove former President Uhuru Kenyatta from leadership. The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has accused Dr Ruto of buying off some of their MPs.

The opposition has also accused speakers Moses Wetang'ula and Amason Kingi of obstructing leadership changes. In the Senate, the Minority side experienced difficulties replacing Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo as its whip. The National Assembly has yet to replace nominated MP Sabina Chege as Deputy Minority Whip due to ongoing disputes and a court order. ODM has expelled several MPs and a Senator with their names being removed from the membership register. The outfit deems it unjust for the ousted members to keep receiving the privileges granted to them as members of the party.