Of coalition politics and new political era in Luo Nyanza

By John Oywa and George OlwenyaFlashback: December 2002, James Orengo declares he is running for president against Mwai Kibaki, the man nominated by the National Rainbow Coalition to run for the seat.His pronouncement surprised many in Luo Nyanza, considering the region’s political supremo Raila Odinga was already marshalling support for Kibaki under the "Kibaki Tosha" slogan. Orengo was immediately baptised a rebel without a cause by political analysts.The two politicians, who had worked closely under Raila’s father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, suddenly became rivals with their supporters fighting bloody battles.Earlier, just before 2002, Orengo and other Luo politicians — former Rangwe MP Shem Ochuodho, Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu Rural), Joe Donde (Gem) and Oloo Aringo (Alego-Usonga) had opposed Raila’s decision to merge then National Development Party with Kanu.The politicians formed Muungano wa Mageuzi lobby group and their supporters had frequent fights with Raila’s followers.The falling out culminated in an ugly and widely publicised incident when police barred Orengo, Donde and Aringo from attending the famous Ugunja rally in his constituency where Raila and Kanu officials were conducting a funds drive.The media described it as Agwambo (Raila) vs Nyatieng’ (Orengo) duel.Orengo claimed the harambee had nothing to do with development in Ugenya, but to finish him politically. His supporters stood by him and fought bloody battles with Kanu/NDP supporters.What followed was a political falling out between Raila and the five outspoken MPs.They all lost their parliamentary seats in the 2002 elections after some of them joined the Social Democratic Party.Orengo became the biggest casualty as he not only came last in the presidential contest on an SDP ticket, but also miserably lost his Ugenya parliamentary seat to his brother-in-law and political foe, Archbishop Stephen Ondiek.While Nyong’o and Orengo have made comebacks, Ochuodho and Aringo are in political limbo.In southern Nyanza, former Rongo MP and the region’s most conspicuous politician then and now, Dalmas Otieno stuck to Kanu and was drawing the wrath of Raila and his allies. He, too, was branded a rebel. Going against the grainHe lost his seat in 1992 to newcomer, Ochilo Ayacko, because he was accused of preaching anti-Odingaism. Despite his charisma, eloquence, and good development record, the Makerere University-trained economist did not make it back to Parliament.Ten years later, Nyanza is ushering in a new political era. The landscape has tilted and former enemies are popping the champagne bottle. And like the proverbial biblical story, the stones that were rejected by the builders have become the pillars of a foundation. Today, Raila consults widely with politicians who were branded his enemies.Observers agree Dalmas, Orengo, and Nyong’o have become the pillars of Raila’s political strength not only in ODM but also in Government and Parliament.The trio are said to have been instrumental in the many negotiations that yielded the Coalition Government in February, last year.The Ugenya MP was the biggest player during the signing of the power sharing agreement between PNU and ODM. But Dalmas was arguably one of the intellectual pillars of the dialogue, consulted often to give perspective to the deal.The three are witty and forceful in Parliament where they defend ODM and the national interests with unreserved loyalty and aplomb. Last week, during the Justice Aaron Ringera debate in Parliament, Orengo and Nyong’o led ODM MPs in ensuring the party won the battle to block Justice Ringera’s re-appointment as the anti-graft chief.It is perhaps because of this that there are rumours one of them could step into the Prime Minister’s shoes as a Luo leader when the Lang’ata MP finally hangs his political boots.advisory roles"There is no dispute in this, the three ministers are playing a critical role in Raila’s leadership both in Government and in the party. We appreciate their work," said an ODM MP.Dalmas is the Minister for Public Service in Prime Minister’s office, while Orengo and Nyong’o hold Lands and Medical Services dockets.The three MPs were not willing to discuss the matter with The Standard on Sunday, saying whatever their contributions then and now, they have considered the national interest."In politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies. This is what has happened between Raila and the three politicians who were once perceived to be anti-Odingaism," says Kisumu Town West ODM Secretary Samwel Nyabinda.A former aide to Orengo, Zedekia Ouma, says the closeness between Raila and Orengo is godsend."This is what we had been yearning for after many years and you can see for yourself the kind of peace in Nyanza," says Ouma.

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