Ruto hints at possible coalition with Raila's ODM

By Kepher Otieno

Eldoret North MP William Ruto has told the people of Nyanza to be patient as political dispensation in the country takes shape ahead of 2012.By Kepher Otieno

Ruto said his personal differences with Raila should not ‘filter’ into the relationship between the Luo and Kalenjin.

"Some people think that we are sworn enemies, but politics is dynamic and things change depending on the political developments that unfold in respect to the people’s demands," said Ruto.

He told crowds during his various stopovers in Kisumu town, Kondele, Mamboleo, Nyahera and Otonglo that he would support a Raila presidency if he won, but that did not mean he would ditch UDM.

Tumultous Welcome

"You all know my contributions to ODM was paramount and even up to now I am still wondering why the party leader overlooked my commitment to the party and decided to relieve me of my ministerial portfolio,’’ he claimed.

Ruto arrived in Kisumu to a tumultuous welcome by hundreds of youth, who were calm, elated and ecstatic as he addressed them.

Earlier, there were fears that the youths would heckle and jeer him.

The crowd bombarded the former minister with questions and pleas during his many stopovers. The people pleaded with him to come back and work with Raila. Shouts of Rudi Nyumbani! Wewe ni wetu! (Rejoin ODM! You are one of us!) rent the air all the way.

This prompted Ruto, who was flanked by MPs Aden Duale and Elija Langat to hint at a possible coalition with the PM’s ODM party, on whose ticket he rode into Parliament and has since not officially defected from.

"I want to tell you that even UDM is a small house within ODM. We are only trying to advance political democracy in parties. This is why my association with UDM should not be misconstrued for political dissent, No...,’’ he said.

Ruto’s visit comes barely a week after the PM in an interview with The Standard said he was not opposed to Ruto and that he was free to remain in the party if he so wished.

Strong Signals

Raila appeared to send strong political signals that the two parties were headed for a political truce and it was only a matter of time before they joined hands.

Ruto made it clear that he was not opposed to Raila’s presidency, earning accolades as he addressed a crowd in ODM strongholds in Kisumu where presidential candidate Raphael Tuju met hostile reception.

The youth asked Ruto to forge close working relationship with the Premier if he wished to become president in future. Several youth led by Kondele Youth Chairman Isaac Oyange asked Ruto to work with Raila. But, the legislator said they want competitive politics laced with viable ideas and not empty rhetoric.

He said poverty was widespread because of reduced agricultural productivity. He told the State to lower the cost of farm inputs if it was keen on ending poverty.

Elders led by Thomas Achando later crowned him as a Luo Elder at a ceremony in Kajulu village.

Duale said they would reconsider rejoining ODM if the party recognised Ruto’s strength. His shouts of harambee were met with ODM tosha from the crowd to his amusement. The same happened to Ruto.