ODM has blasted nine of its MPs for holding a meeting with President William Ruto at State House on Tuesday morning.

The party director of communications Philip Etale said that the meeting by the MPs was no surprise for them and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

"The party has been monitoring closely the behind-the-scenes activities involving some of them and today was just the climax," he said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, nine MPs from Nyanza held a meeting with Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

They included Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East, Independent) Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.

Etale termed the State House meetings as a tactic to divert the nation's attention from the high cost of living, unbearable school fees for their children and corruption.

"Three months ago, the Azimio la Umoja leadership began rallies to push for the reclamation of its victory from the hands of the illegitimate administration in order to provide the leadership Kenyans want, but all along, we knew the enemy will not sit pretty," Etale said.

Raila has led three ' anti-Ruto's' rallies in Nairobi; Kamukunji, Jacaranda and Kibra.

During the first rally in Kamukunji rally last month, Raila said he will not recognise President Ruto and his government, maintaining that the 2022 presidential poll was marred with irregularities.

Etale further claimed that as a result of the Azimio rallies, the Kenya Kwanza government has started hoodwinking some ODM  leaders to scuttle the anti-ruto rallies.

"We know that in the quest for legitimate leadership, there are those who will fall by the wayside and some will be compromised, but the movement remains unstoppable," he added.

Etale emphasised that the people’s movement is aimed at defending the constitution.

He noted that history will judge harshly leaders who betray Kenyans by accepting handouts to scuttle quest for reforms.

ODM has called on Kenyans to ignore such leaders, branding them as selfish.

"We call on Kenyans to ignore such selfish leaders who only care about their stomachs and not the well-being of the millions of poor Kenyans," Etale said.