Raila Odinga's referendum rally put off as battle rages in Kwale over vote

KWALE COUNTY: Coast counties are proving to be a referendum battlefront, even as CORD leader Raila Odinga skipped an eagerly-awaited tour of Kwale.

There were reports that some key ODM leaders, who have been wavering in their support for the party, pleaded with him to stay away until they re-organise themselves for pro-referendum campaigns.

Raila was supposed to be in Kwale on Tuesday or Wednesday but the rally was postponed until the end of this month. Raila’s Private Secretary Noah Akala’s message to Okoa Kenya Coast co-ordinator Nicholas Zani indicated that the former Premier would camp in Kilifi from September 26 to 28.

CORD and Jubilee are keen to woo Kwale County for and against the referendum proposed by the Council of Governors and the Opposition.

“Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya asked to be given more time to organise his team for the rallies,” said Okoa Kenya Director of Operations Wafula Buke.

Raila’s Communications Officer Dennis Onyango also said they had decided to take a rest after they completed visits to Taita Taveta and the Mt Kenya region. He said they would return to Coast later next week. Mvurya is among CORD leaders who have been accused of warming up to Jubilee, and according to sources, the leaders feared the wrath of Opposition supporters in the event Raila visited Kwale.

Meanwhile, as the referendum debate rages, United Democratic Forum UDF party seems to be the new bride that the rival coalitions are courting to bag the support of Kwale County Assembly.

CORD and Jubilee are equally strong in the assembly with UDF, the third largest, holding the balance of power when it comes to voting on key issues.

Deal-breaker

Jubilee has 13 MCAs, CORD 11(with ODM holding 10) and UDF having eight, making it the Musalia Mudavadi-led party the deal breaker in the assembly.

The referendum debate has ignited a new tussle in the assembly, with Jubilee now laying claim to the post of Majority Leader. In an interesting twist, however, UDF, which holds the position of Minority Leader is ready to support CORD. UDF is worried that if the power structure changes in the assembly, it could be the ultimate loser.

CORD managed to hold onto the Majority Leaders’ seat by forming an alliance with smaller parties like Kadu Asili but there is still debate as to whether this arrangement was lawful, given that when the assembly first convened, UDF and Jubilee were in an alliance.

It is unclear what formula the Speaker followed to establish the power balance in the assembly although some reports indicate individual party strength was considered. ODM has 10 MCAs, UDF 8, URP 5 and TNA 4.

“The entire Kwale assembly has seen that the national government is killing devolution. We have spoken to UDF and they are also in support of CORD’s agenda and we are sure of their support for the referendum,” said Tiwi Ward Rep Omar Mwakwambirizwa of CORD.

Jubilee is also not left behind and according to its county coordinator Fatuma Nchidzumo, who is also a nominated MCA, UDF is a member of Jubilee and therefore should reject the referendum push. “UDF has an MOU with Jubilee under the Amani banner and with this background, we expect them to support us,” says Nchidzumo, who also adds that Jubilee will soon demand the Leader of Majority position which she claims it donated to CORD.

UDF is still guarded about which coalition it will support as intimated by Minority Leader James Dawa, a UDF MCA from Puma Ward.

“There is no coalition we are supporting. UDF is independent. We are not easily swayed and as a party, will work in the interest of our people. Our members are not partisan or money-minded,” claimed Dawa. Michael Mutua, a TNA Nominated Ward Rep, says that the party is also waiting for the decision of a 15-member committee MCAs formed at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, to give them direction on the referendum question.