By KENAN MIRUKA
KISII COUNTY, KENYA: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials in Kisii County have resolved to ditch their differences and back party candidate for the upcoming Bomachoge Borabu by-election.
The leaders made the resolution during a crisis meeting chaired by Kisii County Senator Chris Obure at Ufanisi Hotel in Kisii Town, where recent wrangles within the party’s local branch were discussed.
Elected leaders, among them Governor James Ongwae, his deputy Joash Maangi, MPs Simon Ogari (Bomachoge Chache), Mary Otara (Women Representative) and members of the Kisii County Assembly attended the meeting.
Support rivals
Last week, a section of ODM youth league leaders from the branch rebelled openly against the party and vowed to support rival candidates in the Bomachoge Borabu mini poll.
Some leaders, including South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya, have also said they will be backing rival party candidates.
“We are concerned about recent reports relating to unity among members of the Kisii County ODM branch. We have examined various issues related to unity and agreed to work together to deliver the Bomachoge Borabu seat,” said Obure.
Mr Ongwae gave a progress report on various initiatives being undertaken by his administration.
Obure said the wrangles in the branch had their genesis in the grassroots polls last year where some leaders who failed to get the party’s ticket decamped to rival parties.
“Some branch officials vacated their seats in the party to contest for elective posts while others jumped ship after losing during the primaries. The current leadership is intact and the youth who raised issues were fully involved in this meeting,” added Obure.
He asked residents to give the county leadership time to implement its development agenda.
Branch secretary, Maangi, said the leaders had agreed to work together and strengthen the party in Gusiiland.
“Even as we await the Court of Appeal ruling on the Nyaribari Chache by-election, we are determined to deliver the Bomachoge Borabu seat,” said Maangi. He said the branch had endorsed Ogari for the post of ODM national treasurer in the party elections slated for February next year.
Ogari, who is spearheading the party’s campaigns in Bomachoge Borabu, said all ‘burning issues’ had been ironed out.
“We discussed the relationship between the senator, MPs, the governor and MCAs and resolved to fully unite for the good of our people,” said Ogari.
