Two lists emerge as ODM meets to replace Homa Bay officials
Suba MP and ODM chairman John Mbadi at a past event. Mr Mbadi has sponsored a bill that see will Cord leaders, Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and former speaker Kenneth Marende earn millions in retirement benefits. FILE PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |
What you need to know:
- There were fears that the emergence of the two parallel lists would trigger violence in town on Saturday.
Confusion on Friday reigned in Homa Bay ahead of Saturday’s ODM meeting to fill vacant party posts.
Two parallel lists of officials, one allegedly enjoying the backing of party leader Raila Odinga and another prepared by local sub-branch officials emerged on Friday evening.
A list that has Woman Representative Gladys Wanga as chairperson, Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata and Kasipul MP Joseph Magwanga as secretary was arrived at during a meeting in Nairobi which was allegedly attended by chairman John Mbadi.
The line up is expected to be endorsed during a meeting scheduled for Saturday.
But soon after word reached Homa Bay Town, local officials who included Kennedy Marembo (Rangwe), James Pete( Homa Bay Town) and Ogina Nyabola (Ndhiwa) also convened a meeting at a hotel and came with their own officials.
The list has Okinyi Rawo (chairman), Oscar Obote (vice- chairman), Tom Dola (secretary), Esther Dwalo (treasurer) and George Midumbi (youth leader).
Ms Wanga, however, dismissed the rival meeting saying the party has structures used to elect or nominate officials.
There were fears that the emergence of the two parallel lists would trigger violence in town on Saturday.
The latest development came in the wake of a difference between Mr Mbadi and the party’s Director of elections Junet Mohammed whether the meeting should continue today or not.
Mbadi has maintained that the meeting will proceed.
