National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on ODM legislators to support the emerging political cooperation between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Wetang’ula urged the lawmakers to align with the new political direction signalled by their party leader.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at Harvest Center Fellowship Church in Port Victoria, Budalang’i, Wetang’ula said Raila’s recent public endorsement of President Ruto had set the tone for ODM’s engagement going forward.
He noted that Raila’s latest political position reflects a commitment to national stability, citing past instances where the ODM leader opted for dialogue during times of national tension.
“After the 2007 election crisis, Raila struck a peace deal with President Kibaki to calm the nation. And now, during the recent Gen Z protests, he again chose dialogue by working with President Ruto to safeguard peace,” Wetang’ula said.
He encouraged ODM members and other political aspirants to embrace political compromise and maturity.
“If you want to lead this country, you should be ready to be led,” he said.
The remarks come amid mixed reactions within ODM regarding the party’s engagement with Ruto’s administration.
Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala welcomed Raila’s endorsement of Ruto, saying it had eased political tensions for ODM legislators perceived to be working with the government.
“Some of us feared openly supporting the President because our party leadership would brand us traitors, which could cost us politically. Even when the President visited this region, I kept my distance to avoid trouble. Raila’s stand has freed us from that burden,” said Wanjala.
Wetang’ula also urged the Luhya community to remain united, expressing hope that political solidarity could create future opportunities for the region.
“Our unity will only count if we rally behind President Ruto. He will repay that trust by supporting one of us for the presidency,” he said.
The Speaker also defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record in the region, citing the construction of the Nasewe Export Processing Zone—projected to create over 50,000 jobs, the release of Sh200 million to boost rice farming, and the fast-tracking of national ID issuance.
He described Sio Port as a “gateway to Kenya” with vast untapped economic potential and pledged to lobby for its full development.
Wetang’ula further promised to push for the upgrading of Port Victoria Level Four Hospital to Level Five status, complete with advanced facilities to reduce referrals to Busia and Siaya.
