Orange Democratic Movement MPs accuse colleagues of using goons to settle personal differences

Kabondo Kasipul MP Silvance Osele and his Karachuonyo counterpart James Rege have accused some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislators of using goons to intimidate fellow party members.

The two warned that this could lead to disintegration of the party.

Speaking at different events in their respective constituencies, the legislators said stage-managing attacks against some ODM members would scare people away.

Mr Osele said the masterminds of the attacks began by branding their colleagues moles.

Speaking at a prayer ceremony at Oriang' Parish Catholic Church in his constituency, Osele said the perpetrators were using this trend to settle personal differences.

Referring to the way he was roughed up in front of ODM leader Raila Odinga at a party meeting at Sikri School for the Deaf in Kasipul consituency, Osele said "goons were hired by some ODM legislators who had personal issues with me".

Mr Rege said, "I want to tell my colleagues who are still engaged in old ways to wake up so we can discuss matters that can help our party acquire victory in 2017."

Meanwhile, Funyula MP Paul Otuoma has told perceived ODM 'rebels' to resign to allow the party to retain members who are committed to its manifesto.

Dr Otuoma said the 'rebels' opposed party policies by working with the Jubilee government under the guise of working for development in their regions.

"If you are still enjoying the fruits of the party that sponsored you yet your activities are undermining it, then that amounts to extortion and hypocrisy of the highest order," said Otuoma. 

He said the party did not prohibit members from exercising their freedom of association, expression or ambition.