Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga’s planned tour for the Western Kenya is a timely mitigation policy he has devised to tame the continued exodus of some leaders allied to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This comes barely a week after the former Secretary General and Budalang’i legislator Ababu Namwamba and Funyula constituency Member of Parliament Dr. Paul Otuoma resigned from their posts citing frustrations in the ODM party. After their exit Mr.Namwamba has been on mainstream media maintaining that he will call upon Luhya leaders to form a third force as he has been organizing meetings with leaders in the region, the latest being Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka (Who last week dissolved his New Ford Kenya party in favor of Jubilee).
Being an opposition stronghold especially Busia, Kakamega and Vihiga counties because in 2007 and 2013 general elections Mr. Odinga enjoyed support although current factions within ODM party is threatening his stronghold. Bungoma County is already warming up for Jubilee coalition as Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka during a press release said that New Ford Kenya party had opted to dissolve and join Jubilee- a move that Jubilee is embracing to solidify unity and avoid wrangles from small parties within the coalition.
Raila’s move furthermore, is seen to assure the ODM party members since leaders from the region have been crying frustrations and lack of democracy within the party. Party nominations is one thing that has brought headache among candidates as some have threatened to defect ODM party if direct nominations will be given to specific candidates. Already rumors are doing rounds that in Busia County, Governor Sospter Ojaamong may be given direct nomination something that made Dr. Paul Otuoma to quit early.
While in Busia stadium last month Mr. Odinga assured Busia County voters that no candidates will be given direct nomination something that voters and political aspirants have welcomed. This will be one of the means to suppress fractions and factions within the party. ODM chairman John Mbadi had also earlier this week said that ODM elections board will be changed as a way to avoid shame that has been witnessed earlier leading to botched elections something that has threatened unity in the party.
Furthermore, his tour is meant to reduce the effects the party will face after Mr. Namwamba and Dr. Otuoma quitted the party and also the mystery ‘third force’ will haunt the party terribly ahead of 2017 general elections. A modest example is in 2013 general elections where defection of Mudavadi destabilized ODM stronghold in Luhya vote.
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