Dalmas Otieno accused of creating division in ODM but denies claims

Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno

By RAWLINGS OTIENO

MIGORY COUNTY: ODM youth leaders have accused Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno of being used by Jubilee coalition to divide the party along tribal lines.

The leaders drawn from the eight constituencies of the county who met at the county offices and cited the one time ally turn political foe of Raila Odinga of creating confusion in the party as candidates prepare for a gubernatorial by-election in Migori County.

The ODM leaders led by County Secretary Joseph Olala appealed to the former Public Service Minister to stop undermining the party leadership and keep off its affairs.

“Dalmas should instead concentrate and sponsor candidates on his newly formed party (Kalausi). We want him to leave the Orange party and united just the way he joined it. If he is man enough, let us meet at the ballot,” said Olala.

The leaders of the Orange Young Democrats made the remark Wednesday in a meeting meant to strategize for the by-election and vowed that said they will not allow the Rongo legislator to wreck the party from within.

Olala reiterated that the orange party will campaign against ousted Governor Okoth Obado who contested on an Omingo Magara’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He blamed Otieno, who is also the former ODM treasurer of ditching Odinga’s party at the hour of need after benefitting during the time when the former Premier shared the grand coalition government with former President Mwai Kibaki.

In support, Migori County ODM Vice Chairman Phillip Makabong'o however challenged Dalmas to officially resign and defect to his new and face the Rongo constituents in a by-election.

“The Political Parties Act is very clear on party membership and shifting allegence. Mr Otieno should resign from the party that sponsored him to parliament and face the electorate at the ballot,” said Makabong’o.

The Orange young Democrats vowed that they will support Akong'o Oyugi and Anne Omodho Anyanga as the party's flag bearer should the seat be declared vacant by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Oyugi and Anne had sought the seat on an ODM ticket during the March 4 polls last year and lost to Obado.

Makabong'o at the same time warned ODM rebels in the region that they will be dumped come 2017 general election.

“As ODM leadership from the county, we have agreed that there will no be nomination exercise to be carried out since Oyugi and Anyanga are still holding the certificate after being denied a clear victory in the last election. Let those rebels be warned that they will be swept away by the waves,” he said.

Orange Young Democrats League County Secretary General Erick Ouma alleged that the lawmaker wants to use members of the Kuria community to campaign against the party and cause tension between their counterparts from the Luo community.

 “Our neighbours from Kuria should not worry. We assure them that they will not be side-lined should ODM take the mantle of leadership,” he said.

When contacted, Dalmas however, denied the allegations saying that he has not caused any confusion in the party or using the youths for his own political gains.

He said that he has never sponsored any youth to disrupt the party or create a rift as alleged by the ODM youth leaders.

“I have never sponsored any youth to create confusion in the party neither have I used the youths to divide the electorate in Migori county for my political gain. Ask those leaders how I have sponsored them,” said Dalmas.