Kenya's politicians use demos to display party loyalty

From left: MPs James Koyoo, Aduma Owuor and Shakeel Shabir in the front line during demonstration against IEBC in Kisumu last week. Some politicians from Nyanza are allegedly using the anti-IEBC protests to endear themselves to the electorate and re-affirm their loyalty to ODM. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Some politicians from Nyanza are using the anti-IEBC protests to endear themselves to the electorate and re-affirm their loyalty to ODM.

They have been holding meetings in hotels to strategise on how conduct the demos and probably take the front line.

This became pronounced after the Orange party warned of unspecified actions against members who would fail to support the protests. The party had asked local leaders to jealously guard hard earned rights and freedoms.

In the three successive demos to push out polls, commissioners, aspirants eyeing the Senate, parliamentary, gubernatorial and civic seats have been at the front line. Some seized the opportunities during strategy meetings held at party branch offices to announce their bids.

Some of those making a comeback after losing elections include former minister Ochillo Ayacko, former Assistant minister Ayiecho Olweny, former MPs Owino Likowa and John Pesa, Ken Nyagudi, among others.

Ayacko, who is eyeing Migori governor’s seat, currently held by Okoth Obado, had to join the public in demonstrations in a show of collective solidarity his voters. The comeback has pushed sitting MPs, senators and some governors play an active part so that aspirants do not get a chance to dislodge them.

During the last demonstrations held in Kisumu, MPs Onyango Koyoo, (Muhoroni), Shakeel Shabbir, (Kisumu Town East), and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor were in the frontline.

Others who have been active in the protests are Dr Hezron Mc’Obewa, who is eyeing Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma’s seat and Richard Ogendo keen on Kisumu Central constituency. Pesa wants back his Suna East seat from MP Junet Mohammed.
“All we want is change and IEBC to go. Campaign time will come and wew will launch our bids,” says Ogendo. He claimed they were fully behind the party.

Olweny is keen on reclaiming Muhoroni, while Likowa’s eye is trained on Migori Senate held by Wilfred Machage. Nyagudi wants to make a big return to Kisumu Central. In Siaya, governor Cornel Rasanga is giving no room to the opponents in the county. He has been taking to the frontline with awe, despite the heavy presence of police. Senator Anyang Nyong’o, who has declared to take on Ranguma, has been active in CORD demos in Nairobi.

Ranguma has been participating either in person or sending his troops to lead protests.