Ruto-Raila Pact Was An Understanding, Not An Agreement – ODM Party Vice-chairman Otiende Amollo

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party vice-chairman Otiende Amolo has made it clear that the arrangement between President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga that saw four members of the party join Government was an understanding and not an agreement.

Otiende Amollo was speaking at a function attended by Siaya County Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo (center) today, Monday 22 September 2024. Photos by Diblo Governor’s Press Unit.

Amollo emphasized that the Ruto/Raila deal was pegged on the understanding to quell rising political tensions in the country but was not an agreement as speculation was rife in certain quarters.

“Raila is our leader and we respect his decisions. The latest decision that diffused country’s tension was an understanding since no documentation was inked by the duo.

“The agreement reached by the principals merited the case as an understanding, for it to qualify as agreement, then papers must be signed.

“Those yelling in public that we are in government should therefore know that we are still far from it,” said Amolo

“The 4 CS slots we received as ODM does not qualify us as being part of government.

“There are 24 cabinet slots and PS’s and ODM would have boasted being in government if we would have secured at least 10 slots.

Amolo further clarified that ODM has not earned any ambassadorial post, neither does it have CEO/Chairmen of parastatals.

He added that such scanty arrangements do not silence or restrict the party from doing its oversight role in the opposition.

“We’ve just started a journey to infiltrate the government so do not make those in authority feel we are sorted,” said Amolo

He recalled Raila/Moi arrangement that Kanu organs had thought would swallow NDP but the party stood obstinately strong.

“What we are fighting for as ODM is the presidency and we will not stop till we achieve that goal. That’s why ODM will not be ‘swallowed’ by any haphazard arrangements “.

Otiende at the same time asked the party leadership to endorse and confirm Governor Orengo as the party leader once Raila gets the AUC post.

Otiende said that in the ODM Party hierarchy, James Aggrey Bob Orengo is the senior-most politician after Raila and Nyongo comes third.

He reminded his audience that Orengo is a seasoned politician and has been an integral part of the revolution.

“We are aware that Raila is fighting for AUC post and once he succeeds, Orengo should be confirmed as party leader,” said Amolo.

Siaya County MP Dr. Christine Ombaka said the ODM party is intact, steady and would thrive in the hands of Orengo.

“We are aware that Rarieda MP had secured VC post, Gladys Wanga (Party Chair) and we support party leadership for that but we still hope that Orengo will be confirmed Party leader. We will be happy when Orengo gets that position. We sincerely pray for him to get it,” said Dr. Ombaka.