War of words as Oburu Oginga labels Jakoyo a mole

CORD leader Raila Odinga with Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o and Nominated MP Oburu Oginga at the burial of Odinge Odera, former speech writer of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga at Majimbo Village, Bondo, Siaya County yesterday. (PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARD)

Nominated MP Oburu Oginga now claims that Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo is a Jubilee mole in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Dr Oburu expressed concerns over what he termed frequent meetings between Mr Midiwo and President Uhuru Kenyatta, arguing that this is a clear indication that Midiwo's persistent wrangles with Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga were not aimed at fighting corruption, but to serve interests of the Jubilee government.

Oburu becomes the second person to accuse Midiwo of being a Jubilee mole.

Two weeks ago, ODM Secretary for Political Affairs and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi made the same claims, which Midiwo denied.

But in a quick rejoinder, the Gem MP has hit out at his critics terming the allegations as pure lies aimed at tainting his image. Midiwo lashed out at Oburu challenging him to table evidence.

"It would be strange for a deputy leader of minority not to consult with the Government side," said Midiwo.

He said all the hullabaloo was about his stand on corruption in Siaya, which he vowed he would still fight against.

He told Oburu to keep off politics and retire as he is becoming a liability to former Premier Raila Odinga's course for presidency.

"Oburu claimed Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero took me to State House yet it is the same Oburu who goes to Kidero for money," said Midiwo, adding that the nominated MP has even invited Jubilee leaders for a fundraiser in Bondo set for July 3.

Oburu blamed Jakoyo for last week's chaos that disrupted Mr Rasanga's public rally at Yala town, saying he is disappointed that leaders have taken advantage of this to drag the residents into their own personal failures.

"Our leaders should instead give priority to issues of development and sit as leaders to sort out their differences. Corruption allegations against Rasanga are smear campaigns and mere political sloganeering by his critics," said Oburu.

Speaking at a burial in Kasau village, East Yimbo on Saturday , Oburu also hinted at Jubilee's  involvement in the endless wrangles in Siaya County.

Elders' council

"We need to find a way of getting the Jubilee hand out of the county wrangles and convene a leaders' reconciliatory meeting to end the squabbles," he said.

But Midiwo stuck to his guns that Oburu needs to quit politics saying the nominated MP has always been fighting him.

"Oburu needs to retire from politics and join the Luo Council of elders and allow us steer Raila to presidency," said Midiwo.

Midiwo, who spoke to The Standard on phone, absolved himself from last week's chaos in Yala.

"If at all I would have organised the violence, Rasanga would not have left Yala, his burial would have been this weekend," said Midiwo, who accused the Siaya Governor of sponsoring youths from Kisumu to cause havoc at the meeting.

He said one youth actually confirmed to him that he had been paid.

Oburu was accompanied by Siaya County ODM officials who also accused the Jubilee government of using a section of leaders to bring chaos in the Luo-Nyanza counties.

Led by ODM Siaya County Chairman George Okanda, the officials said there seemed to be a sinister motive which is being propelled by some Jubilee sympathisers in the region.

Mr Okanda, who said he regretted the current wrangles in Luo-Nyanza counties including Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya, argued that the chaos were being fuelled and sponsored by Jubilee moles who are against the progress of devolution.

The leaders condemned the recent attack and disruption of the Yala rally.

"ODM party headquarters should take stern action against the perpetrators," said ODM Bondo sub-branch Secretary George Mawere.