Raila on charm offensive in western amid ODM revolt

Cord leader Raila Odinga has told western Kenya residents that he gave the region priority when he served as Prime Minister, denying claims he neglected the Luhya nation.

Mr Odinga said on Monday at the start of his tour of the former Western Province that the Luhya people stand to benefit even more if they stick with him and elect him President in the next general elections.

Mr Odinga cited Musalia Mudavadi (deputy Prime Minister), Kenneth Marende (Speaker), Paul Otuoma (Fisheries minister), Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning minister), Ababu Namwamba (Sports minister) and assistant ministers Sospeter Ojaamong and George Khaniri as members of the Luhya community he helped get top jobs in the Grand Coalition government.

“I did more things for the Western region than for Nyanza during my tenure as a Prime Minister in the grand coalition government,” he said in Vihiga.

DIVIDE AND RULE

Mr Odinga also indicated that some roads in the area were improved due to his personal initiative.

“Vote for me and you will realize more of these developments,” said Mr Odinga, who was accompanied by Kakamega Governor Oparanya, his Siaya counterpart Cornel Rasanga and several Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs.

The ODM leader said the Luo and Luhya nations have always been united, noting that his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, worked hand in hand with independence politicians like the late Masinde Muliro.

“These people are trying to use the divide and rule method to scuttle our votes,” he told a meeting of party delegates before embarking on roadside rallies across the county.

Mr Odinga’s stops caused a huge traffic jam on the busy Kisumu-Kakamega road. He was given a rousing welcome in most of the places except at Mbale, where some residents waved pro-Mudavadi placards.

“Vihiga is an ANC Zone,” read some of the placards.

JUBILEE ONSLAUGHT

Mr Odinga is waging a spirited campaign to maintain his grip on the western Kenya bloc that voted for him in the last election in the face of a strong onslaught from the Jubilee Coalition.

Deputy President William Ruto, who has made six trips to the area in the past six months, declared his intention to wrest the western region from Mr Odinga.

“We will go to western Kenya, eastern and even Nyanza until we make sure Jubilee has united all Kenyans,” he said on Sunday.

Mr Odinga’s visit is meant to calm a restless region whose leaders have accused him of frustrating them in the Orange Party and vowed to explore other alternatives.

Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba two weeks ago quit his position as secretary-general while his Funyula counterpart Paul Otuoma resigned as vice-chairman.

The resignation of the two politicians has jolted the party in the region.

'LAUGHING STOCK'

Besides, senior politicians from the region, led by Amani National Congress leader Mudavadi, have been rallying members of the Luhyia community to abandon Mr Odinga and vote for one of their own, a narrative that has been picked up by Mr Namwamba.

“The political intrigues by Cord and Jubilee are a scheme to ensure the Luhya nation remains divided in 2017 and does not support a candidate from the region for the presidency,” said Mr Mudavadi ahead of the Odinga visit.

“Luhyas have become the laughing stock of other communities because leaders from other regions are taking advantage of our lack of unity to promote their political interests and seek support from the region,” he added.

Mr Odinga is accompanied by MPs John Mbadi (Suba), TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka ), Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem), Wilbur Ottichilo (Emuhaya), Fred Outa (Nyando), Elijah Memusi (Kajiado Central), Opondo Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Chris Omulele (Luanda ), Andrew Toboso (Butere), Nancy Abisa (Eala), Vihiga Woman Rep Dorcas Kedogo and Christine Ombaka (Siaya).

Mr Odinga will on Tuesday tour Luanda and Emuhaya constituencies in the same county where he will address rallies in Khumusalaba, Esirulo, Emusire, Esibuye and Kima.

Thereafter, he will open an ODM office in Ekwanda and address a public rally in Luanda.

He will tour Busia County for two days and conclude his journey in Kakamega on Friday.