The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) has come to defend its Deputy Leader Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's private meetings with Deputy President William Ruto.
This was after it was revealed by Ruto's confidant, Rigathi Gachagua, that the governor's defection from the ODM party had been planned for two years with the most recent meetings being made public.
In a statement on Saturday, April 17, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale affirmed that Oparanya was a loyal member of the party and an ardent supporter of the party leader Raila Odinga.
"Yes, it is true Oparanya has held a few meetings with Deputy President Ruto, be it in Nairobi or elsewhere. And as the great Mahatma Gandhi once said “Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love," The party stated.
Etale further explained that the Oparanya had been briefing the party leadership on every detail of his discussion with the Deputy President.
He added that the deputy party leader who had applied to be the party flag bearer in the 2020 presidential elections was not looking to jump ship as claimed by Ruto's camp.
"Oparanya has not been on any mission of betrayal as some people may want it to look. Sometimes in politics, it is good to learn what your opponent is plotting and be able to get the best defense to counter them.
"Our ODM members and supporters should therefore not read any mischief in the said meetings that our DPL has held with the DP," he maintained.
It was Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua who revealed that the ODM Deputy Party Leader had held four consecutive private meetings with the DP alleging it was in preparation for his exit from the ODM party.
At first, the governor was reluctant to share details of the meetings but later hinted that the DP wanted them to form an alliance, suggesting that both United Democratic Party (UDA) and ODM could work together in the future.
"It was a chance meeting. Being a politician, the DP asked if we can work together and I told him that such a decision had to be made by the party," Oparanya stated.
The DP has not ruled out the possibility of working with ODM in the coming elections. He stated that he was willing to collaborate with his rival Raila Odinga as long as they share economical goals.
