Political battle that might change Nyanza

By Awadh Babo

IN KISUMU, KENYA: It is a political battle whose outcome may forever change the politics of Nyanza.

Analysts agree that whichever way it goes, the grudge match between Lands minister James Orengo and Finance assistant minister Oburu Oginga will break or help sustain the political influence the family of the late Jaramogi Odinga has had in the region since independence.

The two who are fighting over the Siaya County Senate seat have unique relationships with the region’s political kingpin-Prime Minister Raila Odinga.  Oburu is Raila’s elder brother while Orengo is his trusted ally.

The county’s politics has put both the party, ODM and Raila Odinga in catch 22 situation. 

Will he support his brother or a trusted ally?

Holding their breath

Raila is for the time being keenly watching the war from the sidelines because his support for either side could shake the County’s politics to the core and result in massive fall-outs.

The contest took a new twist after ODM Chief Whip and a relative of the Odingas declared his support for Orengo. Jakoyo, the MP for Gem, says he is supporting Orengo because he believes he was more suitable for the seat.

For decades, the political landscape has been dominated by the Odinga family and those who went against their political path never won elective seats.

But as the country heads to the 2013 general elections, the residents of Siaya are holding their breath.

Initially, the duel was expected to be a battle between the larger Siaya (Gem, Alego and Ugenya) and the larger Bondo (Bondo and Rarieda) but things have since changed, with each of the politicians making inroads in all corners of the county.

The larger Siaya that consists of Jo Gem, Jo Alego, Jo Ugenya and Jo Usonga are largely believed to be pro Orengo and if the current tempo is maintained, then Orengo is likely to carry the day.

Many people in the four districts of Ugunja, Ugenya, Gem and Siaya, still recall the evening Orengo knocked tables at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in 2007 as he protested a plot to rig out Raila.

“If it was not for Orengo, the coalition Government would not have been formed,” says Pius Otieno adding that the only way to show gratitude was to vote for him in whatever seat he wants.

Ugenya and newly created Ugunja constituencies are believed to be under Orengo’s wrap and so is Gem and Alego.

In the larger Bondo are Jo Uyoma and Asembo communities in Rarieda and Jo Yimbo and Sakwa communities in Bondo District.

Traditionally, Jo Uyoma, being the majority in Rarieda have always determined who becomes the MP in the area.

Bad blood

Dr Oburu will be expecting support from Jo Uyoma given that his grandmother, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s mother is from Uyoma Kagwa and one of his younger step mothers, Susan Agik Odinga, also hails from Kokwiri. Susan is the mother of the Odinga rebel Son Omondi Odinga who is supporting Raila’s arch rival William Ruto and his URP for the presidency.

On the other hand, Orengo’s camp will be praying that the current “bad blood” between Jo Uyoma and Dr Oburu’s supporter, Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo continues to the next elections.

Jo Uyoma have been accusing Gumbo of denying them the opportunity to host Rarieda district headquarters at Madiany and preferring instead Aram Market at the border of Asembo and Uyoma.

Though from Asembo, local pundits say that his influence to the community may be wanting given his development record.

In Dr Oburu’s back yard of Bondo Constituency, the feeling is that the time to offload the son of Jaramogi from the parliamentary politics is ripe and the best is to give him a soft landing as a senator.

Sitting MPs

For long, two major peoples in the constituency, the Yimbo and the Sakwa have been eyeing each other, with the former complaining of political dominance by the latter.

It is imperative to note that a key Oburu opponent in Bondo, Gideon Ochanda, has identified with Orengo’s camp and perhaps this could be a pointer to where Jo Yimbo will vote.

Ochanda has declared interest in Siaya governor’s post.

In the larger Siaya, Orengo appears to have an upper hand.

Orengo has already won the support of two sitting members of parliament, Edwin Yinda (Alego / Usonga) and Midiwo (Gem).

Local Government Minister Paul Otuoma also recently visited the County to campaign for him.

Senior politicians in Ugenya, Gem and Alego / Usonga such as the chairman of Siaya county council, Aggrey Onyango, Siaya mayor, Obiero Otare, Gem CDF chairman, Joseph Kawuor, Ukwala town council chairman, Councillor Sylvester Wire are supporting Orengo.

 “This is a camp of self-made politicians who have earned the respect from the voters, just like their candidate, James Orengo” says Peter Odhiambo of West Ugenya who expresses fear that underhand deals may deny Orengo the party ticket.

Kawuor, while addressing ODM delegates at Orengo’s rural home in Ugenya, lamented that they have been told to forget party nomination if they cannot support Dr Oburu.

However, Midiwo says the party belongs to the public and a few should not dictate who the flag bearer becomes.

Midiwo who said that efforts to mediate between the two had failed, says that Siaya County voters should be allowed to determine the leaders they want without interference.

“Nobody can force a leader on us” he told the delegates at Orengo’s home.

Dr Oburu’s team is not taking things lying down. Its members have been grabbing each opportunity to throw jabs at their opponents, questioning Orengo’s development record of in Ugenya constituency.

A key member of the team, Concilia Ondiek who has declared interest in Ugunja constituency said during the launch of Oburu’s bid at Wagai that the lands minister cannot be trusted to lead.

“He is my brother in law and I know him well – when he wants something. He lies low but the moment he gets what he wanted, he will close the door on you” Dr Ondiek said.

“All eyes are on Siaya and I urge you to be careful because whatever happens here is likely to be interpreted to mean something else,” said Raila during the burial of the late MP for Rarieda, Odeny Ngure.

Own decisions

Oburu has been chiding Orengo for his late declaration of interest in the post, long after he went public.

Those in Oburu’s camp include Gumbo,   J. T. Okinda who wants to be Siaya county governor and former MP Joe Donde.

Orengo believes he is best suited for the seat.  “Raila will definitely become the next president and he requires sharp and focused minds,” he says.

There are already whispers in parts of the County that the Odinga family should not go for many seats in the County.

Already Raila’s other sister-Ruth Odinga is gunning for the Governor’s seat in Kisumu County while one of Oburu’s sons is said to be preparing to replace his father in Bondo constituency.

But speaking in a political talk show on Radio Ramogi last week, Oburu defended his family saying they were not trying to dominate politics in Nyanza.

“Most of my relatives who are seeking elective positions are adults who have made their own decisions. They have not been sent by the family,” he said.