Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has accused Deputy President William Ruto of colluding with NASA leaders from the Western region.
According to Sifuna, DP Ruto is behind the merger between Amani National Congress (ANC) party and Ford-Kenya.
The ODM official suggested that the DP was working closely with NASA co-principals Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula toward possible support in 2022 when he vies for the presidency.
"Recently Ford-Kenya deputy party leader Boni Khalwale called on the DP to join forces with Musalia Mudavadi and Wetangula ahead of 2022.
[caption caption="DP Ruto with Senator Moses Wetangula when they attended the memorial service held for the Late Francis Nyenze"]
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"That is a clear indication that the two are consolidating support in the Western region so that they can auction the Luhya community to DP Ruto," Sifuna explained.
The ODM official further hit out at the Ford-Kenya party leader over claims that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was against the planned merger over fears that he would lose support from the perceived Opposition stronghold.
"Mr Wetangula needs to know that under his leadership Ford-Kenya has become a diminished good in Western. The Luhya community is firmly behind Mr Odinga," he stated.
Sifuna was accompanied by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Godfrey Osotsi who have been labelled as "rebels" in the region for their dissenting stand gainst Wetangula and Mudavadi.
"It is strange that in the midst of deepening economic crises for the people of Western Kenya, including the collapse of Nzoia and Mumias sugar companies, Mudete tea factory, Panpaper and massive scandal reported in the country, Mr Wetangula has remained quiet and finds his voice only against Mr Odinga," the Senator declared.
Osotsi added: "If they merge the two parties and come up with their own presidential candidate, we may think twice and join them. But we will not agree to be auctioned to our political competitor."
[caption caption="File image of Musalia Mudavadi with nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi"]
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