Secret ODM talks that forced MPs out of race

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU and JAMES MBAKA

Nairobi, Kenya: A meeting in Nairobi on Tuesday between ODM party leader Raila Odinga and youthful MPs from Luo Nyanza capped a flurry of consultations that sealed a deal on the forthcoming party polls.

The meeting took place at a Nairobi hotel between 11am and 2pm prior to the announcement by three Luo Nyanza MPs withdrawing their candidature for posts in party polls scheduled on February 28.

It was the climax of a series of meetings Raila and his close allies had with a perceived ODM breakaway faction of MPs from his Luo Nyanza backyard who had insisted on contesting the seats.

The Standard established that it was after these intense negotiations that the so-called Young Turks met Raila at a Nairobi hotel on Tuesday to officially communicate to him their acceptance to withdraw their candidature.

MPs Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Sylvance Osele (Kasipul Kabondo), David Ochieng’ (Ugunja) and Kenneth Okoth (Kibra) were among those present at the talks with the former Prime Minister.

Alongside MPs Ken Obura (Kisumu Central), John Mbadi (Suba) and Augustine Neto (Ndhiwa), the group had fashioned themselves the Young Turks agitating for change of guard in the ODM leadership.

ANNOUNCED WITHDRAWAL

After the meeting, the MPs headed to Parliament buildings where Obura announced his withdrawal from the race for the post of secretary-general.

Obura told The Standard that he had agreed to withdraw his bid because of party interests.

“I have been approached and talked to and after wide consultations and soul-searching, I have decided to step down because the party is bigger than any one of us,” said Obura.

Mbadi, too, quit the contest for the position. He said his decision had been informed by the fear that the ongoing tribal debate could polarise the party. “The information in the media made Kenyans have a negative attitude to the Luo aspirants and I therefore feel that my candidature has been compromised by the wrong perception,” Mbadi said when he announced his withdrawal.

Veteran politician Dalmas Otieno (Rongo MP) also threw in the towel.

The hardline position taken by Luo Nyanza leaders that the region deserved key posts because it is the bedrock for the party’s support was viewed as antagonising other regions.

Sources said Raila was adamant they had to give up their quest for the positions.

Last week Raila met some Luo Nyanza MPs at the Karen home of Karachuonyo MP James Rege where deliberations centred on the community’s place in next month’s elections.

A Luo Nyanza MP who attended the night meeting but declined to be named said it was resolved that leaders from Raila’s home turf should not contest top leadership positions.

This was after a section of ODM leaders warned the campaigns were playing out to be a Raila succession battle.

“The PM told us that none of the Luo MPs would be allowed to contest party positions and whoever would not toe the line risked being branded a rebel, and you know what being that means,” the MP told The Standard.

It was after the meeting that some of Raila’s close allies, including Nyando MP Fred Outa and Raila’s wife Ida Odinga, were dispatched to personally talk to the faction led by Obura.

Raila’s brother Oburu Odinga (nominated MP) was also assigned to persuade veteran politician and Siaya Senator James Orengo not to vie for a party seat.

But former Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa, who is contesting the organising secretary’s seat, defended Raila from allegations of forcing aspirants out of the race.

NATIONAL IMAGE

“What you are seeing is democracy and the party leader is committed to ensure the election outcome reflects a national image,” said Aladwa.

Yesterday, impeccable sources indicated that Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero was under intense pressure to also quit the race for the vice chair’s slot.

But it was not clear whether Otieno Kajwang’ would also be asked to step down.

An MP from Luo Nyanza said they “had decided to quit the race and allow Jakom to have his way” as the ex-PM had made it clear ODM was not a Luo party.

However, Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ denied claims they had met Raila or had been directed not to contest any seat.

He said the decision by the likes of Mbadi and Obura was informed by their desire to see a cohesive party since their candidature was perceived to cause divisions.

“You in the media have been reporting that the Luo are demanding certain positions and this was casting a negative image on the party and after consultations we said we can build the party from the grassroots without necessarily being members of the national executive,” said Ochieng’.

The agitation by a section of Luo MPs, among them the Young Turks, had set up a contest with seasoned politicians some of whom were key players in the formation of the Orange party.