Big guns continue to snub People Baraza’s organised by Azimio leader Raila Odinga even as the opposition luminaries downplay rifts in its ranks.
In what is becoming a pattern, county bosses elected on Azimio's ticket continue to keep off the anti-Ruto rallies triggering alarm bells in the opposition camp as it holds its fifth rally.
Governors Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) and Paul Otuoma (Busia) have skipped the public engagements despite being the hosts.
Wavinya was on Friday a no-show during the opposition rally in Mavoko town, Machakos county, she was attending the governor's meeting in Naivasha graced by President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
Raila and the Azimio top brass insist they do not recognise Ruto as the legitimate President and have in recent days intensified anti-government rallies to compel him to “resign.”
On Sunday, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma also failed to join his party leader for a consultative forum in Busia town also attended by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua.
At one time, the crowd inquired about the whereabouts of their governor who was conspicuously missing from the well-attended rally.
It took the intervention of Matayos MP Godfrey Odanga to calm the youths assuring them the governor was on his way, however, he did not turn up.
“He was having a meeting in Naivasha, he will join us shortly,” Odanga said.
The development now dovetails into an already emerging pattern where Azimio governors have given the rallies a wide berth.
In the recent past, the county bosses have admitted willingness to work with the government although Raila has cautioned them not to transform that into a political arrangement.
Raila while addressing the rally maintained the coalition is intact allaying any fears of possible cracks in the months-old coalition.
The ODM boss instead turned the heat on members of the coalition he noted have turned themselves into sellouts in the name of lobbying for development from the State House.
He said it is laughable that MPs who have the final say in what goes into the budget could reduce themselves to kneeling before the President for projects.
“They have started buying MPs, calling them to State House where they are given Sh100,000 . There is no development in State House,” Raila said.
“Parliament is the only agency with the budget-making mandate, MPs have the final say on the allocations for various development projects.”
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka called on supporters to ignore leaders who have gone to bed with the establishment.
“Political prostitution where you are either elected on ODM, Wiper, Jubilee or any other Azimio party then you cross to dine with Kenya Kwanza, that is the height of disrespect,” Kalonzo said.
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua reiterated the opposition will not let go of its stolen victory telling supporters to support the push for restoring democracy.
“A time has come when the truth must be known,” Karua said.
Embattled Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni disclosed the party will take action against the 32 MPs who broke ranks with the party and expressed willingness to work with Ruto.
According to the ex-Ndaragwa MP, the party has initiated the process of dewhipping both Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and nominated MP Sabina Chege of their leadership positions.
Dullo is the Senate Minority Whip while Sabina is the deputy Minority Whip at the National assembly.
“They are buying MPs to demonstrate that they have the numbers. Sabina is not Azimio's whip from Tuesday,” he said.
Earlier, the ODM boss attended a mass at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church at Mundika Church in Busia town.
Addressing worshippers, the ODM boss reiterated that his victory was stolen and will not let it go this time round.
“Our cow was stolen and we are going after them,” Raila said.
The service was also attended by Kalonzo, Karua and former presidential candidate George Wajackoyah.
