Kidero supporters fault Nyanza MPs

Nyanza MPs opposed to Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s activities in the region have been told to accept change.

Dr Kidero’s supporters in Kisumu County were particularly angered by Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’s remarks that the governor would be impeached for disloyalty to ODM.

They told the hawkish politician to instead quit the party.

“Mr Kajwang’ must know that if anyone is to leave ODM, then it is him because he is not helping the party at all,” said Mr Erick Okeyo, a businessman and politician who supports Dr Kidero.

However, MPs allied to the party warned against bickering at the expense of development.

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and his Ugunja counterpart James Opiyo Wandayi said it was time leaders started implementing development projects in the region.

Mr Midiwo advised Kenyans to take advantage of devolution to engage in income generating activities, while Mr Wandayi said 2017 elections were still years away.

“It is unfair for some leaders to engage in politics yet we are just from general elections,” said Mr Wandayi. They were speaking in Gem at the weekend.

Dr Kidero’s supporters accused Mr Kajwang’ and his “cronies” of being responsible for the party’s poor showing in past elections.

They accused the leaders of belonging to an old order intolerant to democracy in the region and said such people must not be allowed to sell propaganda against up-coming leaders.

Broke ranks

Dr Kidero broke ranks with his colleagues in ODM and declared that he would support candidates from other parties in the coming by-elections in Nyando and Migori.

He said Mr Okoth Obado, the ousted governor of Migori and Mr Jared Okello, the Ford Kenya candidate whose petition saw the Nyando results nullified had been ODM members before they were forced out. The two left the party in the wake of its chaotic primaries ahead of the March 3, 2013 General Election.