Trouble in Raila Odinga's paradise

The Nominated MP, who served as Minority Leader in the 12th Parliament, is one of the loya allies of Mr Odinga.

The MPs are also said to have been irked by the decision to pick Suna East MP Junet Mohamed as Majority Whip.

The discontent is said to have permeated into the county assemblies controlled by ODM.

On Monday, Mr Odinga was forced to fly to Kisumu to calm the waters after the battle for assembly leadership positions threatened to tear the party apart.

Mr Mohamed has been in the cross hairs of Azimio supporters in the wake of Mr Odinga's fifth failed presidential ambition.

Tuesday, the Suna East MP dismissed those against him, saying some were bitter with him for their own reasons.

"There are people who are bitter and that is within their right. You can see the party and the coalition has faith in me that is why I was given the job of the Chief Whip," he said.

Presidential election

Although Mr Odinga released a statement defending the MP over various allegations, the lawmakers have blamed him (Mohamed) for the failure and disorganisation that may have led to the Azimio defeat.

A section of MPs claimed Mr Mohamed mismanaged the presidential campaign, failed to recruit presidential agents in some areas and in some cases did not pay the agents although funds were released.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo. [Collins Oduor, Standar]

Mr Atandi linked the presidential defeat to sycophants around the ODM leader, who he claimed had clouded the region's politics and former Prime Minister's ambition. "The sycophants are not teachable and are oblivious of Raila's loss. It is time for reflection," he said.

Azimio council

The Azimio leadership in the House was unveiled on Saturday after a two-day retreat at Stoni Athi Resort in Machakos County where the names were agreed upon by 26 constituent parties.

Mr Mohamed may have benefited by virtue of being the Azimio Secretary General. According to an MP who did not want to be named, the coalition leaders may have decided to have an Azimio official as part of the House leadership for effective coordination.

Azimio Council is chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"In their wisdom, they needed a person from Azimio to have a position in the National Assembly," said the MP.

"Since Junet sits in the Council, he was the perfect candidate. They want to have Azimio remain a solid entity."