Kidero’s remarks split ODM
Nairobi governor Evans Kidero. A war of words has erupted among ODM leaders over Nairobi governor Evans Kidero’s support for candidates from other parties. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- While Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga and Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo condemned Dr Kidero for saying that he will support other parties in upcoming by-elections, Migori county reps threw their weight behind the Nairobi county chief.
- Mr Rasanga rebuked Dr Kidero for what he called misusing ODM to further his political career.
A war of words has erupted among ODM leaders over Nairobi governor Evans Kidero’s support for candidates from other parties.
While Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga and Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo condemned Dr Kidero for saying that he will support other parties in upcoming by-elections, Migori county reps threw their weight behind the Nairobi county chief.
Though he was elected on an ODM ticket, Dr Kidero said he backed the re-election of Migori governor Okoth Obando(PDP) and Ford Kenya’s Jared Okelo.
DECLARE YOUR STAND
Mr Rasanga rebuked Dr Kidero for what he called misusing ODM to further his political career.
They were speaking over the weekend in Rarieda constituency during the funeral of Mzee Joseph Oyuu, who was the father of Knut executive council member Collins Oyuu.
“Our opponents have started projects to divide our party. This includes the ‘Kalausi’ party, and now some leaders are endorsing people from other political parties,” said Mr Rasanga.
They told Dr Kidero to declare his political stand, saying that his actions are a disgrace to the party.
“Dr Kidero is currently enjoying the privileges and powers given to him by ODM. He should make up his mind on which side he belongs. He was not even in Kasarani when the party was making a fundamental decision,” said Eng Gumbo.
But supporters of the Mr Obado yesterday defended Dr Kidero against the accusations.
They said Dr Kidero has a right to support a candidate of his own choice.
“Let us not stifle democracy under the disguise of party discipline,” said Mr George Omamba, the North Kanyamkago ward rep. Other MCAs’ Mr Ochieng Abwao (God Jope Ward) and Mr Philip Ouma (West Sakwa ward) vowed to support Mr Obando in the race.
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“Our opponents have started projects to divide ODM...Now some leaders are endorsing people from other parties,”
Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga
“He should make up his mind on which side he belongs. He was not even in Kasarani when the party was making a fundamental decision.”
Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo
