Kidero, Ida share platform in surprise show of unity

By FELIX OLICK and JAMES OMORO

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, believed to be a renegade in ODM, shared a platform with Ida Odinga, wife to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and fondly referred to her as the mother of the nation.

Although they steered clear of politics, the two who met during the launch of Nyinam SACCO in Nairobi painted a picture of ‘close friends’ as they kept consulting each other during the event.

In his speech, the Nairobi Governor referred to Mrs Odinga as Min Piny, (the mother of the nation), rekindling memories of his fallout with the ODM top brass that has brought his loyalty to ODM under scrutiny.

Dr Kidero has been under the radar over his big-money fundraisings that others believe is meant to tilt Raila’s hegemonic grip on Luo Nyanza politics. At the event, Kidero promised the women SACCO that he will buy them software and equipment to ensure that they embrace technology in their transactions. “Whatever support you need, we will give you,” he told members.

Also present was Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, who is Raila’s younger sister. Ruth narrated her close relationship with Kidero which she said dates back to her days as the Chief Executive Officer of Spectre International.

“He (Kidero) was my mentor when I was the CEO of Spectre International and he was the CEO of Mumias Sugar,” she said. “He is still my mentor as Nairobi Governor and I as the Deputy Governor of Kisumu.”

The differences between Kidero and the ODM party leadership escalated recently after he threw his weight behind candidates from rival parties in upcoming by-elections.

He suggested that ODM should support Jared Okelo (Ford Kenya) for the Nyando parliamentary seat as well as Okoth Obado (People’s Democratic Party) for the Migori gubernatorial position in case the Supreme Court rules that there should be by-elections in the two areas.

But ODM leaders strongly castigated Kidero and called for his resignation for being disloyal to ODM.

Meanwhile, divisions continued among ODM supporters and officials in Homa Bay County following the alleged ouster of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ and Monica Amolo, a member of the County Assembly, from their positions of the branch chairman and vice chair, respectively, on allegations of poor performance. Two factions are now claiming chairmanship of the branch leadership.

Last Sunday, a number of sub branch officials and a branch official convened a meeting at Homa Bay Farmers’ Training Center where they argued Kajwang had shown laxity in his responsibilities. They also alleged Kajwang’ should have relinquished the position because he was vying ODM national vice Chairmanship.

In a meeting led by ODM Homa Bay County’s delegate Achila Gogo, the officials appointed new officials in an acting capacity. In the changes, former Rangwe MP Matin Ogindo and Kasipul politician Charles Ong’ondo Were were elected chairman and vicechairman, respectively. Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo was elected in absentia for the party’s Organizing Secretary while Shem Odoyo replaced Kevin Onyango as youth leader in the.

On Wednesday, the officials gave Karachuonyo MP James Rege who is also the ODM Homa Bay branch Secretary General, an ultimatum of two weeks to convene a meeting to enable them to ratify the new officials.

The changes have elicited rivalry between the officials who support Kajwang’. According to Mrs Amolo, the changes were made contrary to the ODM constitution.