At least 10 ODM legislator snubbed Raila Odinga's 'urgent' meeting that was meant to discuss DP William Ruto's persistent forays in the coastal region on Monday.
But a spirited Raila dismissed media reports that the meeting popularly referred to as NEC was summoned over the recent decision by a section of the MPs to back Ruto.
"There is no panic at all in ODM and whatever is mdia is reporting are just lies. This is a normal meeting," he said.
Among those who defied Odinga's directive include vocal Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, Suleiman Dori, Jomvu's Badi Twalib, Benjamin Tayari of Kinangop, Paul Katana, Owen Baya among others.
Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna fired warning to absentees even as several governors also embarrassed Odinga by snubbing the event.
"They will be asked to explain themselves in the next meeting. We shall give their fate soon," he said adding that non sent excuses.
Only Governor Joho (Mambasa) and Amason Kingi of Kilifi graced the meeting in which Raila maintained that the party remains strong across the country.