Raila meets loyal ODM MPs, Kilifi MCAs over Aisha Jumwa rebellion

ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is on holiday in Mombasa, yesterday met two party MPs and several MCAs from Kilifi and Mombasa at his Nyali residence.

The object of their discussions was not disclosed, but some reports indicated that besides local politics, the leaders met over the rebellion by Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and her allies in Kilifi who have declared support for Deputy president William Ruto.

Separately the party branch in Mombasa announced that Raila and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho will join President Uhuru Kenyatta to launch a project at Mama Ngina Drive tomorrow.

Jumwa and several Coast MPs, including Kilifi North's Owen Baya, Michael Kingi of Magarini and Paul Katana of Kaloleni, were elected on ODM ticket but have rebelled and now support Ruto.

The party's disciplinary organ has recommended the expulsion of Jumwa and Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori.

MPs Ken Chonga of Kilifi South and Teddy Mwambire of Ganze have rejected Ruto's overtures and remained in ODM.

Reports indicate that besides Mwambire and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, several MCAs were in the entourage that met the ODM leader yesterday. Also present was Kilifi County Assembly Speaker Jimmy Kahindi who is said to be eyeing a parliamentary seat in the county.

"We discussed national and local politics," said an MCA who attended the talks but who asked not to be named.

The MCA also said fellow ward representatives spoke in favour of a lasting solution to the rebellion fostered by Jumwa and Baya in Kilifi, with some demanding their expulsion.

Raila is said to have listened attentively and assured them that due process shall prevail against all rebels who have defied the party. But the opposition leader was reportedly, concerned by what some insiders described as Jumwa's and Baya's "reckless and disruptive conduct".

Sources said he lamented that Jumwa and Baya had lately made a career out of insulting him.