Opposition leader Raila Odinga has told governors allied to his coalition that they are free to meet with President William Ruto, exposing his double speak.
The Azimio la Umoja has been warning his MPs against meeting Ruto, but now appears to be singing a different tune when talking about governors' meetings with the Head of State.
In a wide-ranging interview with Ramogi TV on Monday, Raila who has come under pressure from his allies to state his stand on governors' meetings with Ruto, said he has no problem.
He revealed that when he had a meeting with the governors, they resolved that they should cooperate with the national government.
“We had a sit down with our governors and because they are elected to represent the people, we recognise the existence of a two-tire government. Governors can meet whoever is sitting as President,” Raila said.
He, however, insisted that he does not recognise Ruto as President despite him being declared the winner of last year's General Election and his victory having been validated by the Supreme Court.
“He is working as president because there is no vacuum, but I do not recognise him."
Raila was, however, quick to caution governors that they are not under any obligation to make visits to the State House for them to develop their counties.
“Governors are okay to meet the person sitting in the position of the President even though I don’t recognize the presidency of Ruto. You do not have to go to the President to have developments,” he said.
The Azimio boss recently accused opposition allied politicians who have been holding meetings with President Ruto at the State House of being traitors of the course to liberate the country.
Raila has particularly, warned MPs that they do not have to visit State House for development to take place in their constituencies saying money is appropriated in Parliament.
Raila's ODM party has already kicked off disciplinary measures against some party MPs who visited Ruto at State House weeks ago.
“For any budgetary discussions, we have our parliament to help our leaders, they should not hide in the name of seeking development for his constituency from the president,” Raila said on Monday.
However, it is Raila's latest move to be lenient with governors that could expose his double speak about elected leaders working with Ruto's government.
This could pose hurdles for him as he seeks to discipline MPs who met the President at the State House.
Critics have cautioned that governors, as heads of devolved units, have no option but to collaborate and cooperate with the national government.
