Ranguma denies forming secret party for fear of losing ODM primaries

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma addresses the media at Kisumu Girls High School on August 22, 2016. Mr Ranguma has dismissed claims that he has formed a secret party for fear of losing out in ODM party primaries. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Ranguma denied the claims saying he was a registered and dedicated member of the ODM party.
  • Kisumu senator told Mr Ranguma to brace for a tough contest after he accused him of engaging in dirty politics including disruption of his meetings.
  • The two leaders will face off for the Cord gubernatorial ticket in next year’s polls, a duel analysts say will be a tough contest.

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has dismissed claims that he has formed a secret party for fear of losing out in the ODM primaries.

The governor was responding to claims made by Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o as part of a smear campaign by his opponents who have already sensed defeat in next year’s polls.

Prof Nyong’o accused the county boss of having “some party in his pocket already for fear of the unknown”.

But speaking to journalists in Kisumu, Mr Ranguma denied the claims saying he was a registered and dedicated member of the ODM party.

“I cannot form a secret party since a party is only registered by the national government and the process is a very transparent one,” said Mr Ranguma on Monday evening.

“If I was to launch a party, I would do that in the open and not secretly. I am in ODM to stay,” he added. 

TOUGH GUBERNATORIAL CONTEST

During an interview at a local station, Kisumu senator told Mr Ranguma to brace for a tough contest after he accused him of engaging in dirty politics including disruption of his meetings.

The two leaders will face off for the Cord gubernatorial ticket in next year’s polls, a duel analysts say will be a tough contest.

Others in the race include Kisumu deputy governor Ruth Odinga, businessmen Hezron Mc’Obewa and Asaka Nyangaraa and former university professor Prof Gordon Okumu.

Mr Ranguma said the claims were proof that his opponents have sensed defeat.

“There is no threat. The people peddling these rumors are those seeking to taint the name of Ranguma as an outsider in ODM,” he said.

The county boss has been involved in incessant exchanges with senator Nyong’o over the management of the county.

“The ODM party belongs to the people, not those claiming to have been given the certificate awaiting elections. It is the people who will determine who gets the ticket. That is the democracy that ODM advocates for.

“Nobody can claim to be the most loyal member of the ODM party than others. Too much talk does not make one a serious and loyal member of the party. To belong to the party is by subscription and membership,” said Mr Ranguma.

The two leaders have been involved in heated exchange over the relocation of the town’s largest dumpsite, Kachok, which the senator said has polluted Lake Victoria and the city.

While Prof Nyong’o has described his candidature as seeking to restore sanity and order in the town that he accuses the governor of mismanaging, Mr Ranguma is seeking a second term in what he said will be an opportunity to complete his development projects.