• Caroli said they normally present and discuss with President Ruto the projects that need his good will for implementation whenever they visit State House.
• Caroli revealed more than 18 MPs from Nyanza counties visit State House secretly and hold talks with President Ruto.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has urged his community to support his collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration and talks with President William Ruto to develop the region.
Caroli is among seven lawmakers from Nyanza who have been vilified by the ODM party for 'going to bed' with the government against the wishes of their opposition sponsors.
He was one of aides at Raila’s office when he was Prime Minister.
The legislators include Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Felix Odiwuor popularly known as Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo) and Walter Owino (Awendo).
But Caroli on Saturday said at least 18 ODM lawmakers secretly visit State House at night to hold talks with President William Ruto.
“I tell our people that we’re not alone in visiting State House. I know Luo MPs who hold talks with President Ruto at night because they fear being vilified,” he added.
Caroli defended the group saying they normally present and discuss with President William Ruto the projects that need his good will for implementation whenever they visit State House.
The first-term lawmaker singled out the 72km Mbita-Kiabuya-Sori road which has stalled for more than 15 years. Suba South is the only constituency in Homa Bay which does not have a tarmac road.
The Mbita-Kiabuya-Sori road requires Sh3 billion to be tarmacked.
Caroli said through the President's goodwill, Suba region, which has had only two subcounties of Mbita and Suba, now has another subcounty. Suba Central.
Residents are waiting for the gazettement of the new unit.
Perennial water shortage has also been a problem in the Suba region. It is listed among the hardship areas.
“I visit State House to ensure the stalled development projects are done for once. I urge our people to support the cause because it’s for their benefit,” Caroli said.
Speaking when he toured the road at Kakomo market centre, the Suba South MP said he is still in the ODM party that sponsored him to Parliament.
He told residents not to misconstrue his collaboration with Kenya Kwanza government and President Ruto as decamping to UDA.
The MPs have been accused of betraying the opposition leadership and they have been threatened with expulsion.
“We can’t betray Raila and ODM when we’re interested in what would help our people. The more than 18 MPs who engage the government are only interested in development,” Caroli said.
The legislator was accompanied by the constituency ODM party chairman Collins Oure.
Recently, a group of politicians from Nyanza shifted their allegiance and joined UDA party. The Suba South said they are concerned with development, not politics.
He said they have their own political views that are expressed within their party structure. Suba is one of the marginalised communities that they cannot allow to languish if the President is ready to support them, Caroli said.
“President Ruto is willing to work with us on development issues and there is no reason for us not to take up the opportunity,” the legislator said.
Oure said they are supporting Caroli in his development initiatives.
“The party supports your development agenda for the people of Suba South," Oure said.
(Edited by V. Graham)