Setback for Raila Odinga as long-time ally Dalmas Otieno vows to form new party

By STANLEY ONGWAE

Nyanza, Kenya: Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno has said he will spearhead the formation of a new party to rival the Orange party in Nyanza.

The declaration by the MP who is a former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) bigwig comes after months of speculation about his loyalty to the party.

Mr Otieno recently accused former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of dictatorial tendencies and cited events in the build up to the party’s national elections.

“Chama to biro, Kalausi ma ilando wachne to en mana nying mar batiso makalo (The party is coming and the whirlwind that is being speculated is just a baptismal name that is on the tipping),” Otieno said.

The MP said he stands a chance of being elected president just like Raila.

Addressing his constituents at the new Chamgigwadu divisional headquarters in Rongo sub-county of Migori County, Otieno said it was not correct for the Odinga family to brand him a Jubilee mole even after fighting hard to ensure that Raila won in the last General Election.

The legislator claimed he played a crucial role in the formation of the CORD and bringing on board former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka.

He further said he was part of the group that ensured the deal was signed at the home of Machakos Senator David Musila’s house in Nairobi’s Karen. Otieno said Raila turned down his proposal to have Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho take up the ODM general secretary post in the aborted party elections.