Youthful ODM MP defies Party leader Raila Odinga, eyes top party seat

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura (right) with his Suna East counterpart Mohammed Junnet Mohammed (centre) when they met Jua Kali artisans in KIsumu Saturday.  [PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARD]

By KEVINE OMOLLO

KENYA: A storm is brewing in the Orange Democratic Movement after young legislatures reiterated their quest for party positions.

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura has made it clear he will run for the party’s national secretary general seat. Party leader Raila Odinga recently described the party’s ‘young turks’ scrambling for the positions in the coming elections as “lizards climbing trees hoping that people will see them”.

The young MPs want to take over the party’s leadership on grounds that old guards made Raila lose the presidency in the 2007 and 2013 general elections.

Addressing Jua Kali artisans in his constituency yesterday, Obura gave notice to the “old guard” to prepare for a major challenge in the coming party elections. He expressed confidence that he will clinch the position in a free election and urged the party delegates to elect leaders of their choice.

 Manna from heaven

 “The constitution has given the power to the people and we shall respect that decision,” he said.

Obura said they will not accept endorsements and challenged those expecting “manna from heaven” to get out of “their slumber” and serve party members. The position of secretary general is currently held by Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Obura, who was accompanied by his Suna East counterpart Junnet Mohammed, expressed confidence that he has full endorsement of young MPs across the country. He said he will fight endlessly for the rights of the youth.

The Kisumu Central MP first declared his interest in August in what was dubbed the “Sega Declaration”.

He draws his support from South Nyanza MPs.

 Raila support

Following the declaration, Nyong’o told off Obura and his team that comprises of MPs George Oner (Rangwe) Jared K’Opiyo (Awendo), Silvanus Osele (Kabondo Kasipul), Agostino Neto (Ndhiwa), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Junnet (Suna East) and David Ochieng (Ugenya). The senator said he was yet to decide on whether to defend his seat, adding that the National Delegates Council and the party’s constitution was clear on those willing to vie for posts in the party.

“It does not divide members on age, sex or religion,” he added.

Yesterday, Junnet called upon the youthful ODM MPs to rally behind Obura to enable him clinch the seat.

“We want him (Obura) to lead us both at the party level and nationally and we will stand with him,” said Junet.

The two MPs, however, reaffirmed their support for Raila, saying they will support him in the 2017 election.