Western leaders differ on ODM polls

By FRANCIS ONTOMWA and JAMES MBAKA ?

Kenya: Presidential ambitions and simmering political realignment in Western region are bubbling to the surface in the battle for leadership positions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Confusion heightened as a meeting meant to reach consensus over the looming polls failed to strike common ground.

Delegates and ODM followers from Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia and Bungoma emerged from a hotel in Kakamega with mixed statements as competing interests came to the fore. Agitated youths blocked an attempt by a section of leaders from to endorse proposed names as read out by Kakamega ODM chairman David Malala.

“We have had deliberations and we now have the names that we want to represent the region in the elections,” stated Malala amid jitters from a section of youths.

But in a quick rejoinder that interrupted the briefing, ODM National Youth League chairman Rashid Mohammed told off the Malala team.

“It must be made clear that this meeting has not endorsed anyone. Those with contrary assertions will be lying,” said Mohammed after the deliberations.

Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba, who was expected to address reporters, walked out of the chaotic briefing as Malala later read out his name as among those proposed for the top slots. Funyula MP Paul Otuoma, who is eyeing the chairmanship, later alleged that there was a plot to bar some party members from contesting for posts and said ODM, as a democratic party, should open its doors to all.

“There is no point in barring anyone from contesting for whatever seat, this is an national party that must exhibit a national image, democracy must be seen to prevail, all must be accorded equal chance,” said Otuoma. Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Vihiga County ODM chairperson Kennedy Butiko are both gunning for the powerful Deputy Party Leader’s post.

Others set to battle in the race include Busia Women Representative Florence Mutua who will contest for the Deputy Organising Secretary’s seat. The party’s leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is not expected to face a challenge. ODM’s constitution makes the party leader the automatic presidential flag bearer in a General Election.

Leaked “list”

There had been a leaked “list” of the party’s preferred candidates, which allegedly indicated that ODM had endorsed Marende to be party leader moments before he quit the race. The list, which has since been disowned by the party, caused anxiety among party aspirants until Odinga dismissed it as a fabrication.

“There are no positions for specific people or regions. There is also no preferred list as alleged, ODM is a national party and all Kenyans are free to contest any seat,” Raila said.

It means Raila may have to fight it out with former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula to be the Coalition for Restoration of Democracy’s (CORD’s) flag bearer in the next General Election due in 2017.

Raila’s ODM, Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) and Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya are the main parties in CORD.

All three leaders have made it clear they intend to make a stab for the presidency in 2017. A section of CORD leaders had been pushing Raila to give way to his two co-principals to battle it out for a joint presidential ticket in five years time, but a decision is yet to be.

Calls have been rife within the Luyha community to rally behind their own political parties before seeking alliances with like-minded parties so as to bolster the region’s bargaining power.

Former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marended opted not to challenge for the party’s chairmanship. Sources told The Standard that the uncertainty of the likely impending political wave in western region would have rendered Marende irrelevant were he to seek a leadership position in ODM that would not guarantee him a presidential ticket.

And while announcing his decision Marende said he had taken a two-year break from active politics that will expire next year 2015.

“I have decided to take a two-year leave from politics that will expire next year 2015. Upon the expiry, I will come back to state what my political direction will be,” Marende told the press on Wednesday.