ODM dismisses reports of Kajwang 'ouster'

The Orange Democratic Movement has denied reports that Senator Otieno Kajwang has been ousted as Homa Bay party branch chairman.

According to the acting party leader Anyang Nyong’o, there are no changes in the leadership of ODM in the county.

“I have seen media reports alleging that there have been some changes. The party dismisses such allegations as baseless and intended to cause confusion in the party,” he said.

In a statement, Prof Nyong’o said the party branch elections “are not yet due and the Homa Bay branch did not inform party headquarters of any such intentions.”

IMPEACH GOVERNOR

Reports had indicated that the cold war between Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and close supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga hit a new high on Monday with the “ouster” of Mr Kajwang’ as Homa Bay party branch chairman. (READ: Kidero ODM allies ‘kick out’ Kajwang’)

A group purporting to support Dr Kidero met and voted to remove the Homa Bay senator, who is one of Mr Odinga’s key supporters.

The move came a week after Mr Kajwang’ threatened that the party would impeach Dr Kidero due to his support for non-ODM candidates in Migori and Kisumu counties. (READ: Kidero risks impeachment for ‘disloyalty’)

The election of Migori Governor Okoth Obado and that of Nyando MP Fred Outa were nullified by the Court of Appeal.

DEFECTED FROM ODM

Although Mr Obado vied on the Peoples Democratic Party ticket, Dr Kidero said he supported him because he was originally in ODM and only left after being rigged out in the chaotic primaries ahead of the March 4, 2013 elections.

In Nyando, Dr Kidero backed Mr Jared Okello of Ford Kenya, who also defected from ODM in 2013. Mr Kajwang was accused of ineptitude and replaced with former Rangwe MP Martin Otieno Ogindo.

During the meeting held at the Homa Bay Farmers Training Centre, Mr Were Ongondo, who lost his seat as Kasipul Kabondo MP, said that Dr Kidero was best placed to inherit Mr Odinga’s mantle when the party boss retires.

But the leadership change was dismissed by, among others, party branch official Monica Amollo, who said the move was inconsequential and done without due process.

Mrs Amolo maintained that Senator Kajwang’ remained as branch chairman.