Migori MCAs compromised by county government, ODM MPs claim

MIGORI COUNTY: Two Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs have accused county assembly members of being compromised by the county government which is affecting their oversight role.

ODM County Chairman Uriri MP John Kobado and his Suna East counterpart, Junnet Mohamed alleged that ODM MCAs have failed to put the county government to task over claims of corruption and nepotism on job and tender allocations.

The party is playing an Opposition role in the government of Okoth Obado, who is the only non-ODM governor in Nyanza region.

Mr Mohamed said the party will conduct an audit of all MCAs and leaders still in the party with a view to removing ‘non-performers’ from county committees and de-gazetting those nominated on an ODM party ticket.

“We cannot have MCAs sabotaging our party internally. We are the majority in this county yet we do not see or feel their impact. Once you are in ODM you have to toe the party line and perform your oversight role as an opposition member,” the MP said.

He added; “The same way party rebel county legislatures were removed from committees in Nairobi County is the same fate that will befall those in Migori county. We have to speak the same language as a family belonging to one party.”

Kobado warned MCAs who have failed to adhere to the direction and stance taken by party officials that they risk being disciplined.

PROPER DIRECTIVES

“Some MCAs have openly opposed party policies in public rallies and other forums, which makes us fail to understand their intentions. It is time they decided whether or not they are a part of ODM or join hands with the county government and work with them,” he said.

However, Majority Leader Richard Solo and Masaba Ward Rep Abedi Maroa defended ODM MCAs saying the party has not issued proper proper directives.

“It is true that our oversight role has been poor. In fact on a scale of one to ten, I would place us at a two. The problem we are facing is that many MCAs believe if they oppose the county executive, their regions will not be given priority in development matters,” Mr Solo said.

Mr Maroa also blamed the party for what he termed as a flawed nomination process that saw ‘weak’ members nominated to the assembly and also failure of party officials to consolidate members for a round table meeting.

“How do we defend the party agenda at the assembly when we have never been called together as elected and nominated members to discuss party matters for the county?” Maroa asked.

South Sakwa MCA, Jared Osawa said ODM MCAs at the assembly “have been bought off after being threatened by the executive for missing facilitation.”