UDA members criticise ODM over push for MoU with Ruto

UDA officials from Ndhiwa during widows empowerment programme in Kanyikela ward, Ndhiwa constituency, Homa Bay county /ROBERT OMOLLO

The push by ODM to have a written pre-election agreement between it and President William Ruto continues to cause a split.

ODM leadership wants President Ruto to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) before they form a coalition for supporting his re-election bid.

The push is threatening the unity which has been witnessed since the formation of broad-based government in 2024.

There is discomfort among members of the UDA party over the push by ODM.

On Sunday, a section of UDA officials and members from Ndhiwa constituency, Homa Bay county expressed unhappiness with the push for a written pre-election coalition agreement.

They argued that ODM is wrong for giving President Ruto conditions for supporting him yet Ruto had also supported its members unconditionally.

Governor Gladys Wanga is among ODM leaders who have insisted that they should have a signed agreement with President Ruto.

But on Sunday ,Coordinator of Widowers Empowerment Programme Peterlis Ogendo criticised ODM over the demand.

The programme is supported by Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo .

Omollo is a close ally of President Ruto and a key promoter of UDA affairs in Nyanza region.

Ogendo said ODM should be grateful and reciprocate the benefits President Ruto has offered its members.

“President Ruto incorporated CS for Finance John Mbadi, CS for Energy Opiyo Wandayi and other senior leaders in the government who are members of ODM without condition. They hold those positions without any condition from President Ruto hence they should be calm,” Ogendo said.

Speaking during the empowerment programme in Kanyikela ward, Ndhiwa constituency, Ogendo urged the Luo community to shun the ODM politicians who want to give Ruto conditions.

“Ruto has stood with us as a community by implementing mega development projects in Nyanza region. Let support him and avoid anybody who wants to give him conditions,” Ogendo said.

UDA Vice Chairperson in Homa Bay County Rosemary Rumo, Women Leader in Ndhiwa constituency Rose Otieno criticised ODM saying their conditions are unhealthy for a coalition between UDA and ODM.

About 14 widows’ groups benefited from financial support

Rumo told ODM to appreciate the favour that President Ruto had to them.

She argued that Ruto became president without the support of ODM in 2022 general election.

“Ruto became president when ODM was not on our side but he has co-opted ODM leaders into the government. ODM should continue to collaborate with UDA and support President Ruto unconditionally,” Rumo said.

Otieno argued that ODM should work hard in marshalling support for Ruto instead of giving conditions. She argued that there is uncertainty in what ODM can bring to the table hence they should stop giving conditions.

“They should not give Ruto conditions yet their contribution in terms of votes and seats is still uncertain. Let them work hard in mobilizing support for Ruto so that people can negotiate after the election based on what they will have contributed,” Otieno said.