Kajwang’s woes pile up as rivals move in

By JAMES OMORO

A bitter political row has emerged in Homa Bay County’s ODM office over the ouster of area Senator Otieno Kajwang’ as the party’s branch chairman.

Kajwang’ and Monica Amolo, a nominated Member of the County Assembly, were allegedly removed as ODM Homa Bay branch chairman and deputy respectively.

Former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo was elected the new Chairman while Kasipul politician Charles Ong’ondo Were was picked as deputy.

Yesterday, Ogindo and Were were inaugurated into office in a ceremony presided over by Karachuonyo MP James Rege, who is the ODM secretary in the county.

The meeting held at Homa Bay Farmers Training Centre was attended by the branch delegate Achila Gogo, Constituency chairmen Evance Ndege of Kasipul, Ogina Nyabola( Ndhiwa), James Pete (Homa Bay Town), Collince Oure (Suba), Zachary Muga( Kabondo Kasipul) and Kennedy Marembo (Rangwe).

 Others were Karachuonyo Organising Secretary Okano Nyasanga and Mbita Constituency Secretary Narkiso Tuko.

During the meeting, Rege said he called the meeting because he had been given the greenlight from ODM headquarters to solve the problems that had marred ODM in the county.

Rege said he had pleaded with Kajwang’ to convene a meeting but he became rude and declined to do so, yet the party branch was  being afflicted by numerous issues.

“I told him to call a meeting but he only alleged that I am conspiring to take his seat as the party chairman. ODM is not about an individual and the party leadership is about popularity. If you realise  people don’t want you, it is always prudent to pave way for others,” Rege said.

The Karachuonyo MP said he was committed to ensuring that ODM became stronger to enable it win the 2017 General election.

Ogindo, who was recently reinstated to ODM  from TIP, said he is going to complete his project of wooing supporters for the orange party.

However, Kajwang’ and Monica rubbished the meeting arguing that they were still the chairman and the vice chairperson respectively.

“It is the responsibility of the Chairman to call for a meeting but I should not be ordered by Eng Rege who is our secretary,” Kajwang’ said.