Do not celebrate because wrangles will not split ODM, Raila Odinga tells Jubilee rivals

ODM leader Raila Odinga. (Photo:File/Standard)

By Dennis Onyango

Kenya: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has spoken about how he saved his Orange party from being torn apart after its aborted elections last week.

Raila, who is also the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, said he swiftly formed a 10-member committee drawn from the two rival camps to unite the Orange family.

Speaking during a fundraiser in aid of jua kali artisans in Kisumu, Raila said he had to act quickly to find a temporary solution and unite the competing members to avoid further polarisation of the party.

“As the party leader, I brought the different camps together and showed them the correct direction that cannot divide the party,” Raila said.

He added that the party has overcome the challenge that threatened its unity and exuded confidence that it will emerge stronger under the watch of its interim leaders.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Raila warns leaders against playing dirty politics in ODM polls
• 
  Place of Luo Nyanza in post-Raila Kenya as his exit looms
• 
  CDF Ogolla's last moments in troubled North Rift
• 
  Sibling rivalry as ODM leaders accuse each other of 'political immorality'

“ODM will not collapse, Jubilee Alliance should not begin celebrating yet,” he said.

He further indicated that he did not want to influence the leadership of the party as alleged by some members. “I did not ask anybody to step down in favour of another. Those who stepped down did so on their own volition,” he said.

Huge responsibility

He added: “You can even confirm from Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero who is here. He consulted me to quit the race for party vice chairperson due to his huge responsibility as the city boss.”

However, he said he refused to grant Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno’s request to be handed over the leadership position of the party on a silver platter.  “I told him to fight for the position with other contenders as a man,” he said.

Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba, who together with Agnes Zani, share the post of interim secretary general, said Raila needs a strong army to propel him to presidency in 2017. Namwamba said the different camps in ODM have agreed to work together for the unity of the party.

Area MP Ken Obura denied reports of a new party called Kalausi in South Nyanza allegedly formed by disgruntled ODM members.

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and Siaya senator James Orengo asked members to avoid making utterances that may split the party.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero asked leaders to concentrate on developing the Nyanza region.