ODM MP Pleads with Locals to Allow Him Support William Ruto: "Msinipige Mawe"

• Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera pleaded with his constituents to let him work with President William Ruto, citing development promises made to the region
• Speaking during a public forum, Nabwera said Ruto had pledged to construct key tarmac roads in Lugari, and if that promise was honoured, he would have no choice but to support the president
• The ODM lawmaker used a cultural analogy to justify his political alignment, likening the Ruto-Raila pact to accepting a new mother in the family

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

In a bold appeal laced with cultural wisdom, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera made an unusual pitch to his constituents.

He urged them to support his willingness to work with President William Ruto, if it brings long-awaited development to the region.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator was addressing residents during a public engagement in Lugari, Kakamega county, when he urged them to support his decision, arguing that politics should serve development interests.

The lawmaker revealed that Ruto had pledged to tarmac key roads in the constituency, and noted that his support for the president hinged solely on the delivery of these promises.

“Ruto is my neighbour. If he fulfils the promised construction of the Turbo and Luandeti roads, I will have no choice but to become his follower,” Nabwera said.

He pleaded with locals not to turn against him, stressing that political loyalty without tangible benefits is futile.

“Politics without development is foolish. You cannot eat empty words,” he said firmly.

Lugari MP unhappy with constituents supporting Gachagua

Nabwera expressed frustration that some residents still support former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, whom he accused of hindering efforts to complete the road projects.

He alleged funds meant for the road works, originally scheduled for completion in 2023, were diverted under Gachagua’s watch.

Touching on his broader political alignment, Nabwera drew on a cultural analogy to explain the shifting dynamics in the national arena.

He likened the alliance between ODM leader Raila Odinga and Ruto to a father introducing a new wife to the homestead.

“In our culture, you can refuse to accept your mother while she is still outside, but once your father brings her home, she becomes your mother. Raila is my political father, and he’s now married to Ruto, so it’s hard for me to say I’m not for Ruto,” he explained.

Nabwera’s remarks highlight the growing trend among ODM politicians to embrace the Kenya Kwanza administration.

A strong critic of Ruto

Nabwera's remarks signal an abrupt shift from the political stance he held a few months ago.

As a regular political commentator on local TV channels, the governance expert spent most of his airtime on prime shows to castigate Ruto's government for alleged corruption and administrative missteps.

He repeatedly accused the president of undermining devolution and mismanaging the education sector through the implementation of policies that he claimed created confusion and uncertainty among learners, teachers and parents.

Nabwera further warned that Ruto was on the verge of facing civil disobedience from Kenyans because of his "failed policies" and continued use of state agencies to harass and silence critics.

The Lugari lawmaker maintained that Raila was the right candidate for the presidency, arguing that Kenyans missed an opportunity to have a transformative leader.

Despite appearing firm and principled in his arguments, Nabwera, like many other Kenyan politicians, seems to have pandered to the whims of convenience for political survival.

Is Raila in Ruto's government?

In a related story previously covered by TUKO.co.ke, Raila firmly stated that he is not part of the government, despite ODM members holding key Cabinet positions.

Speaking during the 42nd ICPAK conference in Mombasa, the ODM leader clarified that his party only "donated" experts to help the Kenya Kwanza administration manage the economy.

He insisted that ODM's involvement should not be mistaken for joining the government.

He mentioned that leaders like John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Opiyo Wandayi were seconded to Ruto’s Cabinet purely to stabilise the country, not as a sign of political

alignment.

Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politcs, updated this article with details on MP Nabii Nabwera's criticism of President William Ruto's leadership.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke