I'm not headed to Jubilee, says Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba

Ababu Namwamba

Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba has refuted reports that he is headed to Jubilee coalition following his resignation as ODM secretary general.

Speaking yesterday in his constituency, Mr Ababu asked Deputy President William Ruto to stop taking advantage of what is happening in the Orange party to score political mileage.

"No one should salivate and covet the political opportunities created by our actions and resignation from ODM positions. If anyone expects to reap from the decisions my colleagues and I have taken, they are mistaken," said Ababu.

On Saturday, the DP hinted that the Budalang'i MP and his team would be joining his coalition soon.

Ababu said the action taken by his colleagues was good for Western region, stating that they would neither be shaken nor derailed by propaganda.

"My colleagues and I are firmly focused on our agenda of realising the political aspirations of Western region. We shall not be distracted by the wild propaganda and speculation about our destination or who we shall partner with in that journey," he noted.

The legislator said he was amused by the DP's alleged wish to have them in Jubilee, adding that they will not accept the request.

"We are flattered by the reported desire of the DP to have us in Jubilee. We are not available. And it would be reckless for anyone to attempt to take credit for our actions to please or consolidate their constituency," he said.

Ababu said their move was about self-determination, consolidating the Western vote bloc and forming a formidable alliance.

"The very thought of Western consolidating her political strength and reaching out to other parts of the country to build a formidable alliance is terrifying to others," said Ababu.

Reacting to the DP's remarks, Funyula MP Paul Otuoma termed it malicious, reckless and aimed at dividing Western.

"If Jubilee wants to woo ODM, they should not issue such sentiments aimed at causing divisions," said Dr Otuoma.