Kajwang, Kidero face-off gets ugly, heat grows over looming by-election

By RUSHDIE OUDIA and DENNIS ONYANGO

Kenya: Differences between Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang are steadily acquiring a personal dimension.

And this is likely to get worse with the by-elections in Nyando and Migori promising to become new battle grounds.

Last weekend, Kajwang called for Kidero’s impeachment for backing non-ODM candidates in the upcoming June 3 by-elections in Nyanza.

This followed remarks Kidero made at a harambee in aid of Kachar Girls’ School in Homa Bay County, where he declared support for ex-Migori Governor Okoth Obado of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in case the Supreme Court rules for a by-election in the region.

Kajwang told Kidero that he has no moral authority on serious issues affecting ODM because he is a ‘failure’.

The angry Homa Bay Senator said if the success Kidero is talking about means one man’s greed then he better not be described as successful.

Kajwang accused the Nairobi governor of impoverishing farmers in Western Kenya by bringing down the sugar industry.

CLOSE ALLY

“If being the largest sugar baron in Kenya and enriching yourself as you ruin poor peasants’ lives is what it takes to be successful, then I don’t want to be associated with success,” said Kajwang.

Kajwang, who is a close ally to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, said he was just trying to argue on matters of fact and law yet Kidero decided to hit him ‘below the belt’. He said Kidero should have apologised for making his statements instead of opting to attack the way he did.

The Nairobi Governor had said it was common knowledge that it was Kajwang’s ineptitude and inability that cost the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) the presidency.

Kidero accused Kajwang of sleeping on the job when he was Minister for Immigration and Registration of Persons, adding that his juniors made sure people in Rift Valley and Central were registered.

The Nairobi CEO said regions recorded 100 per cent in getting identity cards while Nyanza had less than 40 per cent.

CHEAP PUBLICITY

“Kajwang’ is a member of Cord and I am advocating for the very coalition to capture the seats in the event of by-elections. His criticism is therefore unfounded and is only meant for cheap publicity,” Kidero said.

Meanwhile several elected leaders and youths in the region condemned Kajwang for attacking Kidero on developing parts of Nyanza through harambees.