Scramble for Kajwang’s positions begins in earnest

A file photo of the late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang (center) addressing journalists after a meeting with Nakuru ODM delegates on January 22, 2014. As preparations for Senator Kajwang’s burial enter a crucial stage, the succession battle has begun. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH |

What you need to know:

  • The senator was also the ODM Homa Bay branch boss, but he had to seek the support of party leader Raila Odinga in his fight to retain the seat after being ousted by a group led by Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo.
  • Although Mr Mbadi was only elected a national delegate in the last ODM branch elections, some believe he is best suited to take over from Mr Kajwang’ given his loyalty to the party and Mr Odinga.

As preparations for Senator Otieno Kajwang’s burial enter a crucial stage, the succession battle has begun.

The senator was also the ODM Homa Bay branch boss, but he had to seek the support of party leader Raila Odinga in his fight to retain the seat after being ousted by a group led by Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo.

The group which also has Kasipul politician Charles Ongondo as vice-chairman and Karachuonyo MP James Rege as secretary insists it is at the helm of the county’s ODM branch.

During the meeting last week of ODM leaders in Oyugis chaired by Mr Odinga, the Ogindo group was conspicuously absent.

Some of its members attended a funds drive in Homa Bay Town presided by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero.

Mr Kajwang’s death has not ended the rivalry. This became clear on Friday when a meeting convened by ODM officials at a Homa Bay hotel ended in disarray.

The officials who included sub-branch chairmen from Rangwe, Homa Bay Town, Suba and Ndhiwa were said to be planning to declare Suba MP John Mbadi acting branch chairman.

SUITABLE SUCCESSOR

Although Mr Mbadi was only elected a national delegate in the last ODM branch elections, some believe he is best suited to take over from Mr Kajwang’ given his loyalty to the party and Mr Odinga.

A group allied to Mr Ogindo that operates a parallel ODM branch office in the town got wind of the meeting and disrupted it.

Meanwhile as others jostle for the party post, the race for the Senate seat has also kicked off in earnest.

In 2013, a pre-election deal was arrived at by Homa Bay leaders on how top elective positions were to be shared among the three key blocks in the county.

The greater Rachuonyo was to get the governor’s slot. The second block which has Homa Bay Town, Rangwe and Ndhiwa constituencies was alloted the Woman Rep post while the third comprising Mbita and Suba Constituencies was given the Senate seat.

The question, therefore, is whether the arrangement will still work.

In case it is honoured the likely candidates are Mr Mbadi, if he agrees to resign as MP, former Gwasi MP Felix Nyauchi, Mr Caroli Omondi, Mr Sam Wakiaga and former NSSF Managing Trustee Fred Rabongo.