ODM MPs split over action on rebel members

By Peter Mutai and Kepher OtienoODM legislators allied to Prime Minister Raila Odinga have differed on the way the party should deal with rebel members.
Energy Assistant Minister Magerer Langat supported plans to expel rebel members led by Eldoret North MP William Ruto.
But Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga said the Kalenjin and Luo community should coexist harmoniously and shun personal prejudices that could threaten their unity.
Anyanga decried political differences between the two sides over impending action by ODM to discipline renegade MPs from Rift Valley through legal action.
But Magerer said Ruto and four MPs allied to him are to blame for their predicament after they announced that they have joined UDM party.
"We want total divorce with ODM rebel MPs who have announced that they have ditched the party for UDM. They are the ones who forced themselves out of the party," the Kipkelion MP added.
Already, ODM has gone to court to seek legal action against rebel MPs.
Magerer, who was accompanied by Home Affairs Assistant minister Beatrice Kones, Sotik MP Joyce Laboso and several civic leaders led by the newly elected Londiani Town Council chairman Erick Keter made the remarks on Saturday during an agricultural exhibition in his constituency.
The event that attracted more than 20 exhibitors was held at Siret.
It was organised by Kipkelion Development Stakeholders Forum and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Personal attacksThe assistant minister said it was hypocritical for Ruto and MPs Charles Keter (Belgut), Joshua Kutuny (Cherangani), Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu) and Adan Duale (Dujis) to mislead Kenyans that they were being kicked out of ODM yet they had contravened the Political Parties Act.
"We want the court to speedily conclude this matter so that we can start rebuilding our party at the grassroots as Ruto and his allies were rocking our boat from within," he said.
On Sunday, Anyanga told leaders from the two communities not to engage in personal attacks, but instead embrace dialogue and reconciliation.
He was speaking as Ruto continued with his onslaught on ODM and party leader Raila Odinga.
The Eldoret North MP said they were weighing options of decamping en masse to UDM.
"We cannot be dictated to in the party and if ODM feels that declaring our seats annulled through the legal system is the right way then let them proceed," Ruto reportedly said.
"Why can’t the MPs who are opposed to the party state what is ailing it and offer solutions as bonafide members than wreck it from within," said Anyanga.
Anyanga stressed that the leadership of the party should not be bent on attacks, but instead champion ideals of the electorate.
The Nyatike MP asked leaders from the two sides to shun attacks and foster unity and development.
"Kenyans are more interested in what is likely to benefit the two communities and not what will trigger tribal animosity centred on vendetta," he said.
Anyanga said the Luo community was not opposed to Ruto’s presidential candidature. He added that he was free to visit Nyanza and seek support.
"The electorate are completely distinct from the individuals. Raila and Ruto cannot dictate the electorates. They have free will to choose who to vote for," he added.
Friendly The MP pointed out that only sound policies would endear the two rivals to voters and not pitting their opponents against each.
"We are ready to renegotiate with our brothers from Rift Valley most of who are very friendly to us. Nothing will pull us apart. We are back on fresh talks," he said.
South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya said presidential candidates will not be elected based on propaganda, but on their policies.
"Personal hatred or insults will not be used as the qualitative or quantitative measures to win the presidency as it has no basis under the new Constitution," said Nyamweya.