MP Paul Otuoma says he is firmly in ODM despite resigning as Vice chair

CORD leader Raila Odinga (left) together with Funyula MP Paul Otuoma at a past function together. PHOTO: STANDARD/FILE

NAIROBI: Funyula MP Paul Otuoma has reiterated he is in ODM to stay.

Otuoma said he only relinquished the post of Vice chairman after seeing unease from fellow leaders from Western Kenya counties but would solidly stay put.

Otuoma was speaking at Sega Market in Ugenya Constituency ahead of Cord leader Raila Odinga's visit aimed at stemming rebellion after disgruntled Secretary General and Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba announced he had resigned.

But ODM echelons however challenged Ababu to table his resignation in writing in seven days or be defrocked.

Senator Agnes Zani was appointed acting secretary general as Raila brigades sweep Busia County to whip up support.

Raila's visit has sent Ababu into panic with criticism that the former PM had not visited Budalangi in 9 years. But Raila responded by publishing photos when he was hosted by Ababu in 2014.

Ababu hurriedly rebutted the visit claiming it was only a funeral the leaders attended. Observers are keenly watching how Busia residents will react to Raila visit and how he hopes to stem rebellion.

At the core of rebellion is the perception that Busia is a Luhya County yet the governor Sospeter Ojaamong is from Teso community. Some residents also want the seat of Women's MP currently held by Florence Mutua and perceived as an outsider to be renegotiated at the 2017 General Election.

It is believed Otuoma is angling for the plum post of Secretary General surrendered by Ababu but only time will tell.