Rift in ODM widens as polls postponed

The post-election violence cases have not only divided the coalition government, but also threaten to cause a new rift in the Orange party.

The infighting in ODM over the pending cases at The Hague took a new twist recently when the party’s parliamentary secretary Ababu Namwamba announced that the party had decided to retain counsel for its members — Eldoret North MP William Ruto, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and radio journalist Joshua arap Sang — summoned to appear before the ICC Pre-Trial chamber.

However, party secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o said no such decision had been endorsed by the party, infuriating some party MPs.

Roads Minister Franklin Bett criticised Prof Nyong’o, saying the decision to hire lawyers for ODM’s Ocampo Three was arrived at during a meeting attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Even close confidants of Mr Odinga raised their concerns over Prof Nyong’o’s statement.

The bad blood among a section of MPs has informed the recent postponement of the party’s grassroots elections.

Nominated MP Musa Sirma, however, said party grassroots elections were not postponed due to fears of manipulation.

“We are planning to hold the elections in April at a date yet to be set, and the party does not fear the rebel members. They have already declared that they will be leaving the party,” Mr Sirma said.

Migori MP John Pesa has attributed the second postponement of the ODM elections to “political tensions” in the country.

Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga did not rule out the possibility of some delegates sponsoring a coup against some top national officials.

ODM grassroots elections were initially slated for March 29, 30 and 31 with the NDC taking place on April 18 but they were postponed.

A new date of April 2, 3, 4 and 5 for the grassroots elections was announced without a date for the NDC, but this too was put off last week.