James Orengo: I’m not vying for any party position

By ALPHONCE SHIUNDU

Senator James Orengo (Siaya) has pledged loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement, a day after reports emerged that he had fallen out with party leader Raila Odinga over the impending election in the country’s largest political party.

In a letter to The Standard on Sunday, Orengo said he was not interested in the position of secretary general in the upcoming party elections set for February 28. The veteran politician appeared to play down the perceived rivalry with Mr Odinga, saying the perception was based on “inaccurate premises or assumptions” and “spin or nuances”.

Raila has reportedly vowed not to support any Luo MP for the position of Secretary-General. There are also reports that the party leader wants the post of Secretary General to go to Dr Agnes Zani, a dynamic nominated senator from Kwale County.

“I have not declared before or now that I am running for the position of Secretary General of Orange Democratic Movement. How then do I withdraw?” said Orengo in the letter copied to Raila, ODM chair Henry Kosgey, Secretary General Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Raila’s brother, Dr Oburu Oginga who is the chairman of a caucus of Luo MPs.

The Siaya Senator added: “I am a loyal and disciplined member of the Orange Democratic Movement.”

Orengo did not delve into the politics or the issues that are being raised regarding Raila’s role in the campaigns for the various party positions.

“Raila Odinga has a national constituency and following. Why do you want to trivialise this national political base?” said Orengo in the one-page letter dated January 24.

A section of party MPs from Nyanza have been pushing to have the community retain the position of Secretary-General, more so after the current holder of that office, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o said he was not willing to defend it. With Senator Orengo having distanced himself from the race, two nominated senators –Elizabeth Ongoro and Agnes Zani – have been left in the race to succees Nyong’o. Members of Parliament interested in the seat are Ken Obura (Kisumu Town), Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i), Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda) and John Mbadi (Suba).