EX-PM Raila Odinga plans meetings to unite Nyanza

Stung by the simmering rebellion in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), party leader Raila Odinga has planned a series of meetings with party supporters in Luo Nyanza.

And Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has caused political excitement, with youthful MPs dubbed Nyanza Young Turks and led by Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura, saying Nyanza should change its politics and stop being in the Opposition but form a coalition with the winning team in 2017 so the region can be economically empowered.

Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka, who hosted Dr Kidero at a fundraiser over the weekend, was the first to endorse Kidero for the presidency in 2017.

To consolidate his support in the region, Raila is scheduled to preside over an ODM meeting in Homa Bay County on Friday. This is crucial for him because Homa Bay ODM branch was the first to oust one of Raila’s allies, Senator Otieno Kajwang, as the branch chairman. It is also home to majority of the rebellious young turks who are adamant about Raila embracing change by doing away with some of his old allies.

Some MPs from the county are James Rege (Karachuonyo), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Silvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul) and John Mbadi (Suba). They,  together with former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo and Ong’ondo Were, were responsible for ousting Kajwang.

Mr Ogindo is the branch chairman and Mr Were is his assistant.

streamline politics

Confirming the meeting, Mr Regesaid the senator, governor, woman representative, MPs and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and all party leaders had been invited.

“We want to discuss party matters and put our house in order. That is the reason for our meeting,” Rege said.

Interestingly, Rege also confirmed that Kidero would preside over a fundraiser in aid of Homa Bay High School, the biggest secondary school in the region, on the same date.

“We are meeting this afternoon as MPs from this county to decide what to do but we welcome all the factions. We want to streamline our politics but we also want our region to develop,” Rege said yesterday. Kidero’s supporters said they planned the harambee six months ago and read mischief in Raila’s meeting.

“All leaders from the region have been invited for the fundraiser. Raila is trying to test Kidero’s influence in the region by calling for a meeting at the same time,” said Odoyo Owidi, a Kasipul politician and chairman of the Luo Dialogue Initiative. Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti welcomed both meetings, saying as the county boss, he was ready to welcome both Raila and Kidero.

“Raila is our party leader while Kidero is our son. Both are coming for crucial meetings. Our party needs to streamline its operations to ready itself for 2017. But we also need to improve education standards. That is why I have been calling for a greater role in the education sector by the counties,” Mr Awiti said.

Raila’s endorsement of Kajwang’ as the ODM branch chairman has sparked yet another political storm in Nyanza. Last week, Raila broke his silence on the row that had hit the party leadership for four months much to the chagrin of party delegates.

ODM branch leaders said they would use the party meeting to formally send Kajwang’ packing.

Kajwang’ got a reprieve at the burial of former Karachuonyo MP Adhu Awiti in Homa Bay two months ago, when Raila said he was still the party chairman in the region. 

But Raila’s intervention did not help as delegates who had removed Kajwang’ from office and replaced him with Ogindo termed the declaration null and void.

Ogindo and his deputy Were vowed not to quit their positions until party elections were held.

public confrontation

Were described Raila’s move as dictatorial, saying the former Premier did not know why Kajwang’ and his team were ousted and had not cared to find out.

“It demonstrates lack of respect for the ODM delegates who voted us into office. Only they can remove us, not Raila,” Were said. His comments were supported by Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o, who urged Rege to avoid a public confrontation with Kajwang’.

“I want to ask Rege to stick to his line of responsibility and let Kajwang’ execute his mandate as chairman,” said Nyong’o. However, Weresaid Nyong’o had no mandate to give direction on the matter. “Nyong’o is no longer secretary general because he had resigned and the position is held in an interim capacity. He should therefore keep off,” he cautioned.