ODM 'Disowns' MPs Who Endorsed Deputy President Ruto's 2022 Presidential Bid

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has distanced itself from some of its Members of Parliament who recently endorsed Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

A section of ODM MPs from the Coast threw their weight behind Ruto during his weekend visit of the region.

However, on Monday, ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna said the Raila-led outfit would not engage in 2022 politics, stating that the decision by the MPs to endorse Ruto was personal and not a representation of the party's position.

“We are focused on electoral justice, which is a subject of the proposed dialogue between H. E Raila (Odinga) and Uhuru (Kenyatta) and further on getting justice for the victims of police brutality following the 2017 elections,” Mr Sifuna told the Nation.

During a fundraiser presided over by Ruto at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Voi, Taita Taveta County on Sunday, Opposition leaders led by Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja, and MPs Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Jones Mlolwa (Voi), Ali Mbogo (Kisauni) and Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi) declared their support for the Deputy President.

Ms Jumwa, who has in the past been a fierce critic of President Kenyatta and Mr Ruto, declared she will stand with the Deputy President come 2022.

“We cannot stop an idea whose time has come. In 2022 there is no other candidate for presidency other than the deputy president,” she said.