Mbadi caught in Homa Bay ODM leadership row

A fresh row has erupted in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership in Homa Bay County.

This follows calls by the party’s national chairman John Mbadi on branch and sub-branch officials seeking elective seats to resign ahead of the primaries.

One faction has declared Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata as party chairman against Woman Rep Gladys Wanga.

County ODM secretary and Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga, who is seeking the governor’s seat and was also allegedly ousted in the fresh line-up, described the claims as far-fetched.

“We are aware the move to orchestrate the coup is being pushed by a few individuals worried of the governor’s slim chances for re-election and now they are hell-bent on causing confusion ahead of the mass voter registration exercise,” Mr Magwanga said.

WANGA 'NOT RECOGNISED'

But Homa Bay ODM woman leader Ruth Ojuka announced the party no longer recognises Ms Wanga as the chairperson.

Ms Ojuka said they would now get Mr Orata to occupy the position.

“We cannot have party officials who are flouting the rules of the party because the law demands them to resign as we are approaching nominations,” she said.

The faction also told Mr Magwanga to resign from his secretary position as he is a contestant for the governor's seat.

“Ms Wanga and Mr Magwanga must resign from their positions if they want to be seen as respectful to party rules,” said Kasipul Constituency ODM chairperson Evans Ndege.

He said: “We demand that top party officials in the county resign if they want to show a good example to grassroots party officials.”

NOMINATION DATES

The deputy governor announced that he was happy with the new declaration that he become acting chairperson of the party.

But factions supporting Ms Wanga and Mr Magwanga dismissed those pushing for their resignation as impostors.

Homa Bay Town constituency chairperson Zablon Were, who is on Ms Wanga’s team, said only bona fide party officials can issue statements on behalf of the party.

Ms Wanga said the party has not released nomination dates and that has made it difficult for her to step aside.

“I am ready to step aside from my party position to concentrate on my bid as the law requires, but I can only do it upon the party releasing dates for nominations,” she said.

The legislator added that party officials are faced with an important task of mobilising supporters to register as voters and there is no room for constant politicking.

“I think we should concentrate on how we are going to make sure that supporters of the party are voters to boost Raila Odinga’s presidential bid,” she added.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

The fresh wrangles are said to revolve around the race for the governor’s seat.

Mr Magwanga is keen on unseating incumbent Cyprian Awiti and the move to elevate Mr Orata to chairperson while he is Mr Awiti’s deputy is seen as a plot to strengthen the governor’s camp.

Mr Mbadi, who issued the directive for the officials to relinquish their positions, is also caught up in the confusion as he had openly declared support for Mr Awiti.

Mr Magwanga said: “We are asking the National Executive Council to move with speed and clear the air on this matter as we suspect the national chairman is involved in this confusion.”

Mr Mbadi has, however, denied claims he was partisan, maintaining his support for Mr Awiti was personal.