Langata MP Felix Odiwuor popularly known as Jalango says a number of Opposition MPs in the ODM Party have expressed an interest in working with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, but are afraid of doing so over fears of being labeled as traitors.
Speaking on Monday evening at an interview with NTV, Jalango gave an instance where some Opposition MPs openly declared their stance during the voting of the Finance Bill which was assented to law.
“Tuko nao bungenii, kuna wengi wangependa sana kufanya kazi na rais lakini hawaezi kutoka hapa. Unapata mtu anakuambia ‘how I wish ningeweza kukuja akini ni vile I don’t have the courage to do it,
“Kuna wengi pia watakuja hapa wakuambe baba baba lakini yeye ni tu kupigania ticket yake ndo anapigania. Wengi tukiwa bungeni wakati wa Finance Bill walikua wanakuja wanakuambia ata tukiwa tunalose lazima nionekane katika television kua nimepiga kura na kuonyesha kua nimesimama na chama na wananchi,” he stated.
During the interview, the first-time lawmaker also stated that he is still on good terms with Azimio la Umoja -One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga and that he still contacts the former prime minister despite their political fallout.
He, however, pointed out that efforts to have a one-on-one conversation with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader have been futile.
“Baba tumeongea, sio mara moja si mara mbili, Baba mimi ni kijana wa baba. Mimi ni roho yake sana, baba ananipenda sana sana na nampenda namheshimu lakini haya mambo ambayo yalitokea baada ya safari ya State House hata kuja karibu nayeye wengi wanakuona kama msaliti,” he stated.
Jalango’s sentiments come amidst a fallout with his party ODM after he associated himself with the government’s side. His move attracted criticism from his party leader who accused him and other politicians of betraying the party.