Kisumu Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) interim Party Leader Anyang' Nyong'o has responded to criticism from Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka over the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.
In a statement dated March 9, Nyong'o highlighted the irony of Musyoka accusing ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga of betraying the Azimio la Umoja coalition yet he had been traversing the country meeting political heavyweights like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua without consulting with ODM.
"I have read the comments of Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, regarding the MOU that ODM and UDA signed in Nairobi on Friday. Kalonzo's discontent is that Azimio was left out. In that regard, therefore, Raila betrayed Azimio," Nyong'o noted.
"In the meantime, the same Kalonzo has been meeting with all kinds of characters, including Rigathi Gachagua, without consulting us at all. But we never complained. We took it as his democratic right to do so. Whether or not he has signed some agreement with them is none of our business."
The Governor further encouraged the former Odinga's running mate to familiarise himself with the MoU which he noted aimed at bringing the nation together as opposed to just an agreement between the two parties.
He also joined a chorus of other ODM and UDA leaders in urging Musyoka to join the pact in a push towards national unity.
"Kalonzo could acquaint himself better in the court of conscience if he reads the content of the MoU before he condemns its having been signed by the the two parties," the statement continued.
"The MOU commits the partners to build a much stronger democratic political culture in which all parties and movements, notwithstanding their "base of support", will build the Kenyan nation together. There is therefore still room for Kalonzo Musyoka to seek to dialogue with our two leaders to work for the future of our nation."
Nyong'o joins ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga in hitting back at Musyoka after she sent out her own message to the Azimio principal on Saturday.
In her statement, she debunked claims that the agreement was for selfish reasons, clarifying that the new broad-based formation was for the benefit of all Kenyans.
“Yesterday, Raila gave us the lead and told us to enter into the broad-based government and support President Ruto’s administration, and this was not for selfish reasons but for the unity of Kenyans,” Wanga clarified.
The Wiper Party leader on Friday, led the opposition in criticising the agreement, terming it as the biggest betrayal to the Kenyan people.
