- Ochanda told the Luo community to embrace the Kenya Kwanza government to revive the economy of the region.
- Ojienda said they have the constitutional right to work with the government for his electorate to get development.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Some perceived ODM rebels from Luo Nyanza on Saturday joined President William Ruto in a homecoming ceremony of PS for Interior Raymond Omollo in Karachuonyo.
The ODM MPs attended the ceremony to show their solidarity with President Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government.
The MPs included MPs Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Felix Odiwuor (Lang'ata), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu) and Mark Nyamita (Uriri).
Ochanda told the Luo community to embrace the Kenya Kwanza government to revive the economy of the region.
He asked President Ruto not to stop working with the people from the region despite the majority of them supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga.
"Help us revive the Nyanza economy so that our people can realize development," Ochanda said.
In criticizing ODM leadership, Ochanda said they have tried to seek the presidency as a community in vain.
"Let's agree that we have been defeated and work with the government for better development," he said.
Caroli said they have some development projects which need to be revived in Luo Nyanza. He argued that the projects can be implemented by the national government.
"The development projects are there to help us as a community to develop economically," Caroli said.
Odiwuor, Odhiambo and Nyamita said they have received letters with summons to face the disciplinary committee of the ODM party for visiting the State House and agreeing to work with the government.
Odiwuor asked President Ruto to consider reviving the fish factory and constructing a pineapple factory in Homa Bay.
He insisted that he will continue to work with the Kenya Kwanza government for the benefit of the people.
" I grew up as a fisherman in Homa Bay and I understand the importance of having a fish factory in this area. What our people want is development," he said.
Ojienda said they have the constitutional right to work with the government for his electorate to get development.
The Kisumu Senator asked the government to expedite bringing peace between the two communities fighting over boundary disputes in Sondu town.
"Leaders are elected to do development for the people. We'll continue to work with you and what we're asking is to restore peace in Sondu town," Ojienda said.
On Friday, Kasupil MP Ong'ondo Were who is also the secretary of ODM in Homa Bay asked leaders to avoid attending the event.
Were argued that they do not recognize Ruto as president and that the meeting was a private affair.
"ODM leaders are not a party to the event. We don't go to private affairs of individuals," Were said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who was present described Omollo as a humble and focused man who has the capacity and knowledge to transform the sector.
He said the president made the right decision in choosing Omollo in the docket.
“Omollo is different from his predecessors. Hana kiburi na ukubwa na hangonanishi watu,” Gachagua.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto said he is visiting the Nyanza region to change the perception that Head of State only visits and undertakes development in places where they received overwhelming votes.
"Even Raymond Omollo here was chosen deliberately. I wanted to break the jinx that there are positions meant for specific communities and people," Ruto said.