ODM wants Deputy President William Ruto and his allies to stop branding the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a state project.

Party national chairman John Mbadi argued on Sunday that Raila has pushed for many reforms which put him in a good position for most Kenyans to support him for president.

Mbadi said DP Ruto and his Tangatanga brigade have realised the ‘hustler narrative’ is no longer resonating with many Kenyans as they previously expected.

Last week while in Lamu, DP Ruto alleged Raila is being sponsored by the state to become president.

Garissa Township MP and former Majority leader Aden Duale also called Raila a state project.

“Let DP Ruto understand that Raila Odinga has never sought any comfort despite being the son of a former vice president. Raila has been involved in all the reforms in Kenya,” Mbadi said.

Speaking at the commissioning of Lwala Vocational Training Centre in his Suba South constituency, Mbadi urged DP Ruto to cite any reforms he has initiated.

Mbadi said the "state-sponsored project" tag is being promoted by the UDA leaders as campaign propaganda.

The water project is being done by Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA).

Mbadi, who is the Minority leader in the National Assembly, expressed optimism that Raila’s unity call ‘Azimio la Umoja’ will get support countrywide.

He said Raila has contested the presidency four times and been denied the post due to his stand for change.

“It’s very unfortunate for one to describe Raila who wants to unite Kenyans as a state project. They should know that even people from Rift Valley will overwhelmingly vote for Raila,” he added.

Mbadi was accompanied by Homa Bay MCAs Mola Ochola (West Kasipul) and Millicent Nyaboke (nominated). Others include former MCAs Isaac Nyandege and Jared Kajomo.

The Suba South MP asked Kenyans not to support Ruto’s presidential candidature on grounds the current administration, of which he is part,  has failed to fight corruption.

Instead, he said, the DP is the project of cartels that intend to misappropriate public resources if he is elected.

“We haven’t seen DP Ruto condemning corruption that has destroyed the economy of the country. Kenyans shouldn’t elect leaders who don’t mean well for Kenya,” Mbadi said.

He urged residents to register in large numbers as voters before the IEBC listing comes to an end in early November.