Otieno Kajwang’s death a big test for ODM

Otieno Kajwang' celebrating with his supporters after receiving his ODM certificate during party nominations. He was one of the most loyal and vocal leaders from the region. [PHOTO: FILE/SATNDARD]

The sudden demise of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang, ODM loyalist and CORD leaders Raila Odinga’s close confidant, has dealt a big blow to the Orange party.

ODM swept all seats in Homa Bay County in last year’s elections. It is also Kajwang’s county that majority of ODM ‘rebels’ from Luo Nyanza come from even though he was a strong believer in party discipline and ideologies.

Other Raila allies from Nyanza include Senators James Orengo (Siaya), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) Oburu Odinga (nominated) and Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem).

The former Immigration minister’s loyalty was undoubted; he stood by Raila through good and bad times since he plunged into politics dating back to his college days. He is credited with delivering positions of senator, governor, deputy governor and member of the county assembly to ODM and organised rallies across the country.

For some time now, the party has been having issues with MPs Augustinho Neto (Ndhiwa), Sylvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), George Oner (Rangwe), all who hail from Homa Bay and the late senator wanted the party to discipline them.

Leaders from Nyanza region have admitted that Kajwang’ strongly felt that the legislators advancing other political parties’ ideologies should be disciplined.

TALKING TOUGH

The party’s biggest headache now will be to source for his replacement. Among other things, the suitable candidate has his/her job cut out: to rein in the rebels, maintain ODM’s presence in his county, region and the country.

Already, some MPs from the region are talking tough and have put on notice those wavering, that it will not be business as usual, that the die is cast and they should either toe the line or ship out.

Speaking to The Standard on Saturday, Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma and Junet Mohammed (Suna East) acknowledged that the death of Kajwang’ is a big loss to the party in terms of keeping in check other party leaders.

“Kajwang’s demise has indeed hit us, as a party and as a coalition. However, the party will not lose its grip. The party leadership will identify Kajwang’s replacement when the time comes as he has set the bar very high,” said Kaluma.

He added: “He was a firm believer of multiparty democracy and expected party members to align themselves with its ideals. Kajwang’s contributions cannot be underestimated.

Mohammed stressed that the sudden departure of Kajwang’ is a big loss to ODM in his county, the region and the entire nation.

“He had no time for those perceived to be going contrary to party’s policies. He had specific aspirations he subscribed to, which as a party, we must implement to the latter. Nothing will change,” stressed Mohammed, who is a member of the party’s rapid response team, in dealing with rebels.

Kaluma said Kajwang was the chair of the party’s standing disciplinary committee and therefore his untimely death has left a big gap.

“He was very passionate about everything he chose to do.”

Osele maintained his loyalty to the party, noting that Kajwang’ was a strong pillar and offered guidance to all.

“Allegations of disloyalty to the party are unfounded. At Sikri function, which turned out to be Kajwang’s last public event in Nyanza, I sought to clear my name and the public confirmed, I have not made any sentiment whether private or in public to suggest that I am not advancing the party’s ideologies,” said Osele.

He added: “I will continue to adhere by the party policies and CORD.”