Orange Democratic Movement Nyanza leaders differ on calls to work with Jubilee

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura's sentiments that the Luo community should work with Jubilee if they are to be in the next government has drawn mixed reactions.

MPs Fred Outa (Nyando), John Mbadi (Suba), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugenya), Olago Aluoch (Kisumu West) and Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' scoffed at suggestions that the community has been in the Opposition for far too long and should work with the ruling alliance.

But Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and The National Alliance (TNA) nominated Senator Joy Gwendo said area leaders should work with the Government for development.

Obura had said the people of Luo Nyanza had been in the Opposition for so long that they could not wait to be in Government and must change tack if they want to benefit.

He suggested the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should accept to form a coalition with the ruling party should it fail to clinch victory in the next General Election.

He said the region must move away from the Opposition by fighting hard to be part of the Government.

"It is very humiliating to be in the Opposition and the only interest we must have as a community is to be in Government," Obura added.

He faulted local leaders who politicised President Uhuru Kenyatta's planned visit to the region two weeks ago, urging politicians to be tolerant.

But critics of Obura's approach termed it a scheme to kill Opposition, which is rightfully entrenched in the Constitution.

The leaders further claimed that would kill the oversight role of the official Opposition, Coalition for Reform and Democracy (CORD).

Outa said if everyone works with Jubilee they will definitely fail in their mandate to ensure the Government delivers on its pledges and create check and balances.

He clarified that time to 'bootlick' heads of states were long gone, adding that if the Opposition puts all its systems in place then CORD will be in government in 2017 and not joining Jubilee now.

But ODM's firebrand Mbadi termed Obura as a person suffering from Kanu hangover where leaders had to do things to please the president for them to get resources from the national government.

Kajwang' dared those who want to work with Jubilee to resign from CORD and join their rivals.