Setback for ODM as youth leader declares support for Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale (right) greets ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi during the burial of former minister Soita Shitanda’s brother Philip Muchiti in Malava on Sunday. [Photo: BENJAMIN SAKWA/Standard]

 

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a setback after its national youth leader Mohammed Rashid declared his support for Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi.

 

The move is viewed as an early exit from a party that has been enjoying a lot of support from the county.

“I am the national youth leader of ODM and those who looted Mumias Sugar Company are in ODM. We were taken to court and when I mentioned the people who were involved in mismanagement of funds at Mumias Sugar Company, ODM members went to Maanzoni and agreed that I must be sacked,” he said.

He added: “I will say the truth and if they want to snatch the seat they can have it. I will keep fighting for my people to spur the economy.”

Mr Rashid advised Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to distance himself from the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).

“I was surprised to see Dr Khalwale attend CORD functions and we have decided not to get involved. We should speak what we mean and not be traitors,“ he said.

He was speaking at Butali during the burial of Philip Muchiti, brother to former Cabinet minister Soita Shitanda.

“I want to assure you (Mudavadi) as my father that even if things are bad, I will stand with you because nobody puts food on my table for me to hesitate supporting you. I assure you of the votes come 2017,” said Rashid.

Mudavadi thanked Malava residents for voting for him and urged them to continue supporting him. He urged MPs to save the sugar industry by debating a bill that was released by the agriculture board.

“We do not want the sugar sector, which is major source of income for our people, to collapse because of policies. I urge MPs to look into the bill because it will tackle all challenges facing our citizens,” he Mudavadi.

 ONE SEASON

He also urged Luhya leaders to support each other in order to have one of their own occupy State House.

“We must have confidence, courage and not fear vying for the presidency as many times as we can. Martin Shikuku, Kijana Wamalwa and I are the only people who have vied for Presidency once. Where is our own dignity? Other leaders like President Uhuru Kenyatta and his predecessor Mwai Kibaki tried more than two times and won the seat. Why not us?” he asked.

Mudavadi said they should not field a president for one season and then forget it.

“Let us build ANC and make it stronger as people used to say I was riding in other people’s parties like in UDF. ANC is not for fighting but prosperity and for people to work together,” he said.

Shirugu Mugai MCA Albert Wetundu asked residents to ignore politicians who use lies to gain political mileage.