‘Rebels’ told to quit ODM as Ruto dismisses critics

By Kepher Otieno and Anderson Ojwang

Four ODM MPs have asked ‘rebel’ ministers to resign and seek fresh mandate from the electorate.

Education Assistant Minister Ayiecho Olweny and MPs John Mbadi, (Gwasi) John Pesa (Migori) and Omondi Anyanga (Nyatike) accused Agriculture Minister William Ruto and Tourism’s Najib Balala, who have not quit the party despite apparently falling out with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, of violating party rules.

Mr Anyanga said: "You can’t bite the hand that feeds you by teaming up with other people who are not discrediting their parties to discredit your own." The legislators took issue with the KKK alliance formation, accusing founders of glorifying tribalism at the expense of national cohesion.

Prof Olweny said the rebels targeted Raila since he stood a better chance of being next President if ODM remained united.

Presidential bid

Other ODM MPs separately said they were not opposed to Ruto’s presidential bid in 2012, but argued his ambition was driven by external forces out to undermine the party.

Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya, Finance Assistant minister Oburu Oginga, MPs Olago Aluoch, Nicholas Gumbo and Pollyns Ochieng’ expressed concern that the party’s wrangles had been triggered by Ruto’s presidential ambitions.

"The wrangles have been engineered by the enemies of the party. We do not see how Ruto’s presidential intent can cause anxiety within the ranks," said Dr Oburu.

But yesterday, Mr Ruto denied that he would quit ODM.

"I do not need permission from anybody to say I will be running in 2012," he said, adding that even when he lay low, detractors still pursued him.

"I have heard many people talk about Kikuyu-Kalenjin-Kamba alliance and link me to it. Hayo ni mambo ya upuzi (All that is useless)," Ruto said.

Oburu said the ODM constitution gave provision on nomination of the presidential candidate. Mr Oparanya said as one of the leaders from Western Province, he had joined hands with leaders from Nyanza to make the Western alliance stronger.

"The relationship between Nyanza and Western provinces have been cordial," he said.

The leaders spoke in Bondo at the annual Migwena cultural event sponsored by Oburu and Mr Gumbo at the weekend.

Mr Olago said the Mau issue should not be used to undermine the party and only genuine titleholders should be compensated.

Gumbo and Mr Ochieng said ODM members were tired of squabbles in the party.