Obado takes over office ODM rejected

A man spotted repainting an office Migori Governor Okoth Obado had given to ODM at Namba Junction, Migori County. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

An office Migori Governor Okoth Obado had given to ODM has been repainted, fueling speculation that all is not rosy between the governor and his party.

The office, which had been painted Orange (the colours of ODM party), was on Tuesday repainted grey.

“We really do not know why the office is being repainted,” said a resident.

“We think that the governor is now repainting the office because of the frustrations he faced while in Kisumu,” added another resident identified as Michael Odhiambo.

A spot check by The Standard on Wednesday revealed that the repainting of the building was still ongoing.

The office was initially meant to act as a central point for collecting data and carrying out other activities for the benefit of ODM and the residents.

The governor’s political advisor Dennis Orero, however, claimed he was not aware the office was being repainted.

“I have no information that it is being repainted. There is an ODM established office where its officials do their operations,” said Orero.

Migori ODM Chairman Philip Makabong’o, on his part, noted that the office, which is situated along Migori-Isebania road near Namba Shopping center, had been rejected by the party.

“That is governor Obado’s office. It was rejected. We don’t know if he wants to place a new party there or turn it into any other office,” Makabong’o said.

A view of the office Obado had donated to ODM. The office has since been repainted grey. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

Obado had been at loggerheads with Raila and ODM since he vied for the gubernatorial seat in 2013 and won on a Federal Party ticket in an area perceived to be an ODM stronghold.

He floored Oyugi Akong'o, an old ally and advisor of Raila who contested on ODM ticket.

The governor, who was the chairman of the Kenya Sugar Board, surprised many when he chose to run on the little-known party.

In 2017, Obado opted to defend his seat on an ODM ticket after mending fences with Raila.

In a burial in Nyatike last month, Raila accused Obado of bringing wheelbarrow politics to the region in reference to Ruto linked UDA party.

Obado also survived attempts by ODM to remove him from office through impeachment before the party dropped the plans.