'Ruto must go is not an agenda': ODM leaders push back on protest calls

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, ODM leader’s wife Ida Odinga, Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Osogo and other leaders walking during the opening of an ultra modern Ratang’a market constructed by NGAAF in Ndhiwa Constituency. (James Omoro, Standard).

ODM leaders have said they will not bow to pressure from political figures urging them to lead demonstrations against President William Ruto’s government.

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, and nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola said they would support Ruto’s administration.

Wanga expressed concern that some opposition leaders were blaming ODM for being reluctant to participate in anti-government demonstrations.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of a modern market constructed by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) in collaboration with Osogo’s office at Ratang’a Trading Centre in Ndhiwa Constituency, Wanga criticised the opposition for pressuring ODM leaders to protest.

Wanga said ODM leaders would not be party to any demonstrations in the country. Instead, she challenged the opposition leaders to lead the protests themselves.

“The opposition leaders are blaming us for failing to hold anti-government protests. The truth is that we are tired of demonstrations in this country. Those who are telling us to lead protests can also do so—they have legs to run and mouths to speak for themselves,” Wanga said.

She added that the opposition leaders were envious of their cooperation with the government through the broad-based arrangement.

“They just want us to quit the broad-based government so they can replace us. We will not give them that opportunity,” said Wanga.

She challenged the opposition to move away from the narrative that Ruto must go.

“Let them tell us what their agenda is—what they want to do for the citizens. ‘Ruto must go’ is not an agenda that can transform any lives in this country,” she said.

The leaders said the problems ailing the country could only be solved through the intergenerational conclave championed by ODM leader Raila Odinga.

According to Osogo, the dialogue would foster understanding between the government and the citizens.

“The demonstrations being undertaken by the opposition cannot solve any problems in this country. The dialogue which Honourable Odinga has proposed is the best way forward,” said Dr Osogo.

She urged the youth to embrace peaceful co-existence to enable economic prosperity in the country.

“Today, we are opening a Sh28 million modern market here in Ratang’a because of peaceful co-existence. Let us be peace lovers,” said Dr Osogo.

Owino encouraged the youth to support the call for dialogue as a path to economic growth.

He urged citizens not to misunderstand the context of the dialogue.

“Dialogue is very important and should be clearly understood. Let our young people embrace it so we can find common ground to solve the issues affecting us,” Owino said.