Bett, Langat have no plans of ditching ODM

By Leonard Korir and Michael Chepkwony

Roads Minister Franklin Bett and his Energy counterpart Magerer Langat have reiterated that they have no plans to ditch ODM for any other political party.

The two, who are Prime Minster Raila Odinga’s allies in the South Rift, dismissed claims that they were due to shift their allegiance to the United Republican Party (URP) presidential aspirant William Ruto.

Mr Bett said he would contest for Kericho County Governor seat on ODM ticket as Mr Langat declared he would defend his Kipkelion West seat on the same ticket.

The two, alongside Bomet legislator Beatrice Kones, remain the only ODM legislators in South Rift following the defection of Dr Joyce Laboso of Sotik to Ruto’s URP last week.

Speaking at the weekend after attending a church service at Kaplaba Liberty Church in Kipkelion, Bett and Langat appealed for peace during and after the coming election in cosmopolitan constituencies.

Separately, Agriculture Minister Dr Sally Kosgei said she would not be involved in party hopping, adding that she is ready to battle it out with competitors from other parties.

She said: “I am not the type to keep changing parties. If I do that, there must be a very convincing reason.”

The minister, however, declared support for Stephen Sang, who is eyeing Nandi County senator seat and is expected to run on a URP ticket.

Speaking when she launched “Tuvune pamoja” group loan during a field day organised by Agricultural Finance Corporation, Kosgei told her rivals to prepare for defeat.