Raila backyard divided ahead of ODM elections

By DENNIS ONYANGO

KENYA: Political fever has gripped Nyanza region, the backyard of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ahead of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party elections slated for February, two months away.

The challenge at hand is whether local politicians should not vie for national positions, considering that Raila is already destined for the senior most position of party leader, or whether they should throw themselves into the ring “to cushion Agwambo, just in case..” 

It is a debate that has attracted the wrath of former Cabinet minister and Homa Bay Senator, Otieno Kajwang’, into cautioning fellow legislators from the area against turning the Orange party into a Nyanza affair.

“An be anyalo mana telo ne party ni, koso uparo ni tija en mana wero bado mapambano’ (I am also eligible and capable of gunning for a senior position in the party, or do you think that my only business is to belt out the song ‘bado mapambano’)?” he recently posed at a public function, leaving his audience in stitches.

Kajwang’ opines that leaders from Nyanza region should ‘donate’ the position of party Secretary General, currently occupied by Kisumu County Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o, to another region to allow for inclusivity and “give ODM a national outlook”.   

His opinion notwithstanding, a number of ODM MPs from the region – both Luo and Gusii Nyanza – have expressed interest in vying for the SG’s position, including John Mbadi (Gwasi) and Ken Obura (Kisumu Town). It remains unclear whether Nyong’o will defend his position.  Others, however, argue that as the region where the Orange party enjoys near-fervent support, Nyanza should produce a senior party official, other than Raila.

Such an official,  they point out, may serve as a support cast to the party leader who, by nature of his stature, has outgrown being boxed as a Nyanza politician.

Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga says while Raila is the engine of the party and will be going for the presidency in 2017, the party should have a capable Secretary General to provide direction. “That is not a position to be occupied by people who have short interests.

Anyanga has thrown his support behind Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo for Secretary General. The MP argues that if Nyanza has to produce a senior party official, then it has to be a sober and intelligent politician who also has the financial muscle.

“We do not want leaders who can be easily bought. Gumbo has the competence and finacial ability that can take the party to the next level,” Anyanga, who is the chairman of Migori County Parliamentary Group, says.

Nyanza MPs from Gusii, who have shown interest in national posts include, Manson Nyamweya (South Mugirango), Simon Ogari (Bomachoge Chache) and Timothy Bosire (Kitutu Masaba).

Nyamweya is eyeing the powerful post of party chairmanship while Ogari and Bosire have expressed interest in the post of Treasurer.

Leadership mantle

Some of the Nyanza politicians view Gumbo as the man with such qualities. The two-term MP, who joined Parliament in 2007 after flooring the colourful and monied former Cabinet minister, Raphael Tuju, has, however, not come out in the open to declare his stand.

 Confronted by The Standard On Sunday over the same, Gumbo hinted at being interested in the Secretary General’s position: “I believe I have the experience and interest of our party at hand to serve in that position. ODM is a giant party and it requires able and experienced leadership and not inexperienced and experimental leadership.”

Over the last seven years, Nyong’o, a professor of political science, has been at the helm of the Orange party’s leadership. The feeling among some is that if Nyong’o has to be replaced, it should be by an individual with equal political, and perhaps intellectual weight.

Gumbo, 48, however, says he may not wish to challenge the professor if he decides to contest for the seat. Noting that Nyong’o has made a fair contribution to the party, Gumbo opines that the senator’s entry in the race will create “a different ball game”.

Uriri MP John Kobado, however believes the party required youthful leadership and accordingly Mbadi whom he describes as “energetic lawmaker who can improve the performance of ODM especially during elections.”

For Kabondo-Kasipul MP Sylvance Osele, his choice is Obura, “since he spearheads the group that initiated the ‘Sega Declaration’ plan to give party leadership to youthful leaders.

Separately, Oyugi Magwanga of Kasipul Kabondo, regards Gumbo as an apt choice: “He played a fundamental role of being ODM Mashinani Nyanza regional coordinator during 2013 General Election, and there is not doubt he has organisational skills.”

Supporters of Mbadi equally point to the MP’s selfless defence of Raila in parliamentary debate as demonstration of his loyalty to the party and Raila.