Raila rejects bid to punish pro-Ruto ODM MPs

ODM leader Raila Odinga (left), his deputy Ali Hassan Joho and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi during the party's joint meeting of the National Executive Committee and Parliamentary Group in Mombasa, Monday. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga has rejected a push by some MPs to punish party rebels campaigning for Deputy President William Ruto.

The Opposition chief believes such a move would be counter-productive. Raila also rejected proposals by some members to launch a presidential campaign to rival the DP's forays across the country. He said partisan politics would split the country and defeat the purpose of the March 9 political truce with President Uhuru Kenyatta.