ODM Official Reveals Party Was Aware of DP Ruto-Oparanya Meetings

The ODM Party has maintained that it was aware of the secret meetings between Deputy President William Ruto and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

This is after close DP Ruto confidant Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua revealed that Oparanya has had meetings with Ruto for close to two years.

ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale in a statement on Saturday, April 17, 2021, stated that the governor was loyal to the party and leader Raila Odinga.

Yes, it is true Oparanya has held a few meetings with Deputy President Ruto, be it in Nairobi or elsewhere. And as the great Mahatma Gandhi once said “Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love," the statement reads in part.

He alleged that the party deputy leader briefed the party of every detail discussed with DP Ruto.

Etale rubished allegations and the possibility of Oparanya defecting to the "Hustler Nation" camp.

"Oparanya has not been on any mission of betrayal as some people may want it to look. Sometimes in politics, it is good to learn what your opponent is plotting and be able to get the best defense to counter them.

"Our ODM members and supporters should therefore not read any mischief in the said meetings that our DPL has held with the DP," Etale stated.

Gachagua revealed that Oparanya and DP Ruto had held four consecutive secret meetings.

Oparanya had previousl hinted that the DP had asked him to form an alliance.

"It was a chance meeting. Being a politician, the DP asked if we can work together and I told him that such a decision had to be made by the party," Oparanya stated.