MPs jostle to replace Mudavadi

By Peter Atsiaya

ODM MPs from Western region have started lobbying for the Cabinet position left vacant by Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi after he resigned to move to United Democratic Forum party.

The MPs eyeing the Local Government post include Ababu Namwamba (Budalangi), Alfred Khangati (Kanduyi), Alfred Sambu (Webuye), Ben Washiali (Mumias), and Wilber Otichilo (Emuhaya). They are lobbying for the Cabinet position through their supporters.

But the move is likely to divide them with their supporters disagreeing on who should fill the position.

Speaking to The Standard on phone separately, councillors allied to the MPs have petitioned the PM not to delay in appointing one of the MPs.

In Bungoma County, councillors led by Henry Okumu pointed out that the Cabinet post should be given to Mr Khangati to woo members of the Bukusu community. Mr Okumu noted that it is only the county that does not have an ODM Cabinet position. Busia had Paul Otuoma as a minister (Youth Affairs), Kakamega has Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning), and Vihiga has National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende.

Popularity

Okumu pointed out that Raila can counter Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa’s popularity by appointing Khangati as a minister.

But Vihiga County councillors have asked the PM to give the post to Otichilo, saying the position belonged to the county.

Led by Councillor Edward Amateya and Emuhaya Constituency Manager Tom Atundo, they said that Dr Otichilo deserves the flag because he is the only MP from the county who has stood with Raila.

But councillors from Busia said that Namwamba was the best choice to replace Mudavadi as he was politically aggressive to advocate the ODM cause in Western.