Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic twist that has deepened the political fault lines within Kenya’s leading opposition party, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has thrown down the gauntlet.
Appearing at a church service in Busia County, he demanded that undecided ODM lawmakers must now back President William Ruto—following Raila Odinga’s unexpected endorsement.Wetang’ula did not mince words.
He told congregants that kneecapping the newly cemented Ruto–Raila alliance would now be political suicide. “ODM leaders who have resisted or remained undecided, such as Hon. Raphael Wanjala, must now align with the second-term movement,” the Speaker declared.
He said Raila’s public shift leaves no room for hedging.Eyebrows were raised as Wetang’ula cited Raila’s history of pragmatism—pointing to his 2007 reconciliation with President Kibaki and his more recent cooperation during Gen Z protests—as proof that his support for Ruto is rooted in national stability, not personal gain.
On the ground, Wanjala, the MP for Budalangi, admitted that this clarity has freed MPs torn between loyalty and fear of party reprisal. “Before Raila spoke, I even attended official functions as a no-show. Now I can openly support a partnership I believe in,” he said.
Wetang’ula further stoked the political cauldron by appealing to Luhya unity—arguing that collective support for Ruto now could crown the community with Kenya’s presidency after his second term.
He reinforced his appeal by listing regional development wins: an export processing zone poised to create 50,000 jobs, a Sh200 million rice-farming grant, upgrades at Sio Port, and a promised upgrade of Port Victoria hospital.
This is more than a plea—it’s a political turning point. With the 2027 election approaching, ODM is visibly cracking. Wetang’ula’s call signals a warning to dissenters: fall in line, or risk being left behind.
