Western Kenya leaders torn over fate of Namwamba

Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba. Leaders from western Kenya are divided by plans to form a single party through which to pursue the presidency. This follows a storm over the perceived mistreatment of Mr Namwamba by a section of ODM leaders. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATIONN MEDIA GROUP

By  NATION REPORTER

What you need to know:

  • The divisions come in the wake of a storm over perceived mistreatment of Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba by a section of ODM leaders.
  • This has also resulted from Namwamba's stinging criticism of the party’s leadership.
  • Funyula MP Paul Otuoma warned the region’s leaders against ditching ODM and forming their own party.
  • Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale cautioned that having a regional party was not a direct ticket to winning the presidency.

Leaders from western Kenya have been polarised by plans to form a single party through which to pursue the presidency.
The divisions come in the wake of a storm within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over perceived mistreatment of Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba by a section of ODM leaders and his stinging criticism of the party’s leadership.

The remarks have earned the youthful legislator condemnation and support in equal measure

Funyula MP Paul Otuoma warned the region’s leaders against ditching ODM and forming their own party.

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“It is better we strengthen the existing parties and fight for our space from within instead of running away,” he stated.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe maintained that Mr Namwamba’s mistreatment by Mr Odinga’s loyalists showed that he was not wanted in ODM and urged him to join forces with other leaders from the region to pursue his political goals.

But Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale cautioned that having a regional party was not a direct ticket to winning the presidency.

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