ODM Chairman, John Mbadi has confirmed a recent phone call between his party leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto, as rumours of a coalition between the two politicians continue spreading.
In an interview with KTN News Mbadi, Suba South MP said that the two leaders had never spoken on any alleged alliance.
However, Mbadi said Ruto had called Raila on Wednesday, March 24, to wish him a quick recovery.
Raila tested positive for Covid-19 on March 11 after he complained of body ache, fatigue and other symptoms.
He underwent concurrent tests and was advised to isolate himself.
"The only telephone conversation that has happened between Ruto and Raila is when the DP called to check on Raila’s health and how he was recovering. That I can authoritatively confirm.
"There are no such formal conversations going on and ODM is not interested in any alliance at this point in time. We are focusing on a constitutional amendment and, yes, later we will look for alliances," Mbadi affirmed.
He also took a swipe at the One Kenya Alliance which announced that they would battle against ODM in all by-elections. The alliance comprises party leaders Gideon Moi (KANU), Moses Wetangula (FORD-Kenya), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Musalia Mudavadi (Wiper).
"These are village parties that cannot field candidates outside their zones. ANC can only compete in Kakamega and Vihiga, Ford Kenya can only field candidates in Bungoma while Wiper can only win seats in parts of Ukambani. We need to have national parties that can field candidates across the country and win or lose some," the MP trolled.
Ruto, in an interview with Radio Citizen on Thursday, March 25, also shared the same ideologies with Mbadi and condemned the One Kenya Alliance which he termed as tribalistic. The DP said that he and Raila both vouch for national parties that represent the interests of all Kenyans.
The two leaders have been at loggerheads since Raila's handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta in March 2018. However, Ruto said that he was ready to work with the ODM leader as they share economical goals.
"The former Prime Minister and I read from the same script on the need to have political parties that have a national outlook. We have seen many leaders go back to their tribesmen, from political parties to bargain a pre-or post-election alliance. We need political parties that transcend the borders of ethnicity," Ruto said.
