The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have assured President William Ruto of their support while exercising opposition roles at the same time.
The leaders, which include Kisii County Governor Simba Arati and his Busia and Siaya counterparts James Orengo and Paul Otuoma, respectively, made their statements on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Kakamega County.
The ODM chiefs joined President Ruto in a thanksgiving ceremony for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
Arati said that ODM remains an opposition outfit even though they will support the Kenya Kwanza government.
“Mr. President, we are here today to celebrate the appointment of Hon. @DrOparanya into government. However, as ODM, we remain focused on our role in the minority. We do not have any agreement with UDA, but we shall support you where necessary,” Arati said as per a social media post by the Orange Party.
Junet Mohamed said it is time to forget about the past and forgive one another.
“During the campaign, we said so many things. We called one another names. It was politics. But in the spirit of broad-based government, I plead that we should forgive each other and focus on a united Kenya.
“We shall play our role as the minority in parliament effectively. We are not going anywhere. We shall provide checks and balances to the government,” the Suna East Member of Parliament said.
Unity
Orengo, on his part, said that it is time to work together for the sake of the country’s unity.
“Let’s work together for the sake of the stability of our nation, but we should not forget the provisions of the constitution that provide for majority and minority in parliament. Democracy must be respected,” the Siaya County chief said.
Otuoma and Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko equally called for unity.
“We have to embrace unity. Kenya is big, and we all have to be united to make it bigger and greater. Inclusivity is paramount. We thank you, Mr. President, for this gesture,” Otuoma said.
“As a party, we are delighted to have some of our members working in government. We shall support you, Mr. President, where necessary in the interest of our nation,” Ayacko stated.
President Ruto said that the broad-based government offers the country an opportunity to work together and realise goals.