Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda differed with party leader Raila Odinga over his declaration that he did not recognise William Ruto as the president of Kenya
Speaking on Monday, February 27, Ojienda maintained that Ruto was constitutionally in office and was the head of the government.
He opined that negating the legitimacy of the executive would also render other arms of the government unlawful.
"In my mind and in my view, and this is the correct position, we have a president and a country. Otherwise, there can be no legislature or Judiciary.
"Therefore, you cannot be an MP when you claim there was no election? How can I claim I am a senator when there is no framework of recognition," he posed.
Nonetheless, he defended himself from claims that he had betrayed ODM and the Azimio coalition party during his trip to the State House.
He maintained that he was still a member of the Orange Party and dismissed claims that he was in pursuit of his own personal interests.
"The visit was a strategic one because I was summoned following the agreement on the various projects for Kisumu County. The choice was whether to attend the meeting for my people or refuse, " he stated.
The Senior Counsel explained that his word was true and that the output of the meetings would soon be out to be seen in the open.
Ojienda was speaking in Kisumu County during a bursary award ceremony where he collectively gave Ksh8.3 million to 782 needy students.
On February 7, the senator, Lang'ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor 'Jalang'o' and five other MPs from South Nyanza met Ruto at State House.
The meeting irked ODM members including Odinga, who accused them of defiance and ignoring party policy and procedure. He even called on them to resign from office.
