Raila Odinga warned against backing Senator Otieno Kajwang' in tussle

Kenya: Delegates who ousted Senator Otieno Kajwang’ as Homa Bay County Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) branch chairman have cautioned party leader Raila Odinga against reinstating him.

Former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo, who replaced Mr Kajwang’ as the branch chairman, and his deputy Ong’ondo Were warned Raila not to go against delegates’ wishes by reinstating Kajwang’.

“Raila is welcome to resolve the wrangles but he should listen to the voices of the party supporters and the delegates,” said Mr Ogindo. Raila will visit the county on Friday to try and restore order in the branch that has been embroiled in wrangles for more than seven months.

Ogindo claimed the senator was overwhelmed by running the party offices, a situation that culminated in closure of the ODM offices Homa Bay.

“We were voted in because members wanted change in the way party affairs were being run,” he added. Were said he would attend the meeting in his capacity as vice chairperson.

“The delegates will not accept him (Raila) to impose a leader on them. He must first consult the delegates before making any decision,” he said.

They said this as Suba MP John Mbadi (pictured) distanced himself from claims that he was among legislators who overthrew Kajwang’. “It has come as a shock to me that I am being included among MPs from Homa Bay County who were responsible for the removal of Kajwang’ as the branch chair of ODM,” Mr Mbadi said. Kajwang’ was ousted in April by delegates who also voted Ogindo into office.