Opposition leader Raila Odinga has responded to claims in the media that his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is in panic mode over recent charm offensive to the party’s strongholds by Deputy President William Ruto.
Ruto has been at the Coast, one of Raila’s strongholds, several times which has seen a section of legislators from the region declare their support for him in the 2022 presidential race.
The development saw political pundits claim that ODM’s upcoming retreat of Parliamentary Group and the National Executive Committee is out of panic.
Raila, however, said ODM is not concerned with Ruto’s tours.
“The retreat is not a product of panic or a reaction to any recent political developments as reported in some sections of the media today,” Raila said.
The opposition chief also said his MPs are free to engage in succession politics without being whipped by the party at the moment.
“ODM is not on the campaign trail for 2022 and is not threatening those who have started campaigns. However, when the legally stipulated campaign period comes, the party will whip all its members and rally them behind its candidate,” he added.