Gem MP: ODM members were given critical ministries

By Robert Mutasi 

Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Ochieng has advised Orange Democratic Movement members to make good use of the ministerial opportunity for the benefit of the nation.

President William Ruto appointed four members from the ODM party in his Cabinet.

The four are Hassan Joho, John Mbadi, Wycliffe Oparanya and Opiyo Wandayi.

Addressing the media at Nyawera Girls' Secondary School located in Gem Central location, Ochieng vowed to defend the appointment in parliament with all efforts. 

"I personally as Gem MP, I will be in the forefront that when the names of Wandayi and Mbadi are presented in Parliament I will ensure that approval is done expeditiously so that they can now concentrate and perform that task that the Republic of Kenya has bestowed upon them," he stated.

The Member of Parliament stressed that if the appointed members make good use of the positions which he described as "very meaningful", they will greatly change the lives of the community.

"The dockets that ODM members have been given are critical. They are critical dockets that if they use well, will change lives in communities," he urged.

For example, John Mbadi was given the Ministry of Treasury, he is responsible for giving money to the counties.

Former Governor of Mombasa Hassan Joho was appointed Minister of Minerals and Blue Economy.

Wycliffe Oparanya was given the Ministry of Unions and Cooperatives while Opiyo Wandayi was given the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

Ochieng continued by congratulating President William Ruto for appointing the members from the opposition wing in the Kenya Kwanza government.

He explained that President Ruto's move will bring Kenyans together and unite the country.

Ochieng described the appointment as the best solution to eliminate discrimination and tribalism.

"I want to congratulate the president for appointing Hon Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretaries in the government, I think this is a good docket, so that we can have a more cohesive society where all ethnic communities feel as part and parcel of society," Ochieng said.

Ochieng also advised the ODM members appointed by President Ruto to fulfill the party's promises to ensure that every Kenyan benefits from devolution.

"ODM have been in the forefront for devolution, so it is up to him to live up to the promises and manifesto of our party to ensure that money is disbursed so that we can be able to strengthen the society," he admitted.

The appointment of ODM members to the government has been seen to bring division in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance with some parties publicly announcing to part ways with the alliance.

Members of the WIPER party made clear that they will oppose the appointment of ministers from the ODM party in parliament.

The NARC Kenya party led by Martha Karua has already submitted a letter of withdrawal from the coalition .