Factions emerge ahead of ODM polls as party officials cry foul

NAIROBI

Camps have begun to form within former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement ahead of anticipated national elections in February.

At least two MPs from Nyanza — the party’s single largest stronghold — plan to launch their campaigns in the New Year to battle for the secretary-general post, currently held by Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o.

In Western Province, former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, who is eyeing party chairmanship, is likely to face off with Funyula MP Paul Otuoma.

In Coast, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is being fronted for deputy party leader to deputise Mr Odinga in a strategy aimed at keeping the coastal support under wraps and containing unnecessary ambitions that previously split the party.

REASONABLE SUPPORT

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero is candidate for the party’s vice-chairman — a position likely to elevate his status in regional politics within ODM.

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura on Tuesday said he would launch his vote hunt mid next month in bid to consolidate support for one of the most powerful positions in the opposition outfit.

“We are very much on course. We have consolidated reasonable support with very many MPs on my side. I am gearing up for the launch. I also support the candidature of Hon Marende because I believe his leadership will be truly transformational,” Mr Obura said.

With two disastrous election losses, he said ODM must find a working leadership to save it from future humiliation.

“We want to get into office so that we can put in place structures that will enable decent party primaries. I believe we lost twice due to mishandled party nominations,” he said.

Mr Obura told the Nation that his team was working with MPs Dan Kazungu (Msambweni), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), David Ochieng’ (Ugunja), Mishi Juma (Mombasa County), Junet Mohammed (Migori), Florence Mutua (Busia County), Sylvance Osele and several others to put in place a winning team when the elections are called.

EYEING THE POSITION

Siaya Senator James Orengo and Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo are also said to be eying the position, which has divided MPs from Nyanza down the middle.

“I cannot confirm whether I will be a candidate or not. Let us cross into the New Year and once the agenda of the delegates conference is confirmed, we will make a decision,” the senator told the Nation.

Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba, South Mugirango’s Manson Nyamweya and nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro are contesting for the same position.

Gwasi MP James Mbadi Tuesday said he was mobilising home support in Homa Bay County, where area senator Otieno Kajwang’ has already opposed his bid.

“I am in the race and I intend to launch my campaigns early next year. I am happy with the response I have received from party supporters and MPs, who are willing to work with me,” Mr Mbadi said.

He added: “I want to bring to an end the business around the ODM party nominations. Those who have been treading dangerously with this exercise must close shop when I come into office,” the MP stated.

Mr Mbadi said lawmakers Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay County), Augustinho Neto (Ndhiwa), Opondo Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Denitta Ghati (Migori County) and John Kobado (Uriri) are working with his team.

TECHNICALLY ABANDONED

Meanwhile, some ODM party leaders in Nyanza have accused elected leaders from the region of being liabilities to the party.

They claimed that some governors, senators, women reps, MPs and county representatives had technically abandoned the party that put them in office.

Speaking in Thuon Gweno Village in Ndhiwa during a function presided over by ODM leader Raila Odinga, party chairmen from Ndhiwa, Kasipul and Homa Bay Town sub-branches accused the elected leaders of failing to help the party run its affairs.

“We do not have an office in Ndhiwa. When we want to hold meetings, we are forced to go to private homes or hotels,” lamented Mr Nyabola.

During the meeting that was also attended by Mr Kajwang’, Mr Orengo and Dr Otuoma, some of the party officials told Mr Odinga to stop replacement of officials who had defected to other parties.

However, Mr Kajwang’ opposed the request.

Additional reporting by Maurice Kaluoch