On Thursday, September 22, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina accused the ODM party of “betrayal” and “blackmail”.
In a statement, Owino faulted the Raila Odinga-led political outfit for being sidelined from the parliamentary leadership positions.
Owino had claimed that ODM chairman John Mbadi was taking his position as PAC chairperson despite enjoying the privilege of being nominated as MP.
Earlier ODM chairman John Mbadi lamented the party’s decision to pick Ugunja MP Opiyo Wundayi as the majority leader in the National Assembly.
However, on Friday, September 23, former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero weighed in on the ongoing rift in the ODM party.
Kidero in a statement on Friday, September 23, said ODM is a personal property used as a commercial asset to maximize the financial returns of its owners.
“ODM is a personal property and a commercial asset which the owners use to maximize financial returns and optimize their wealth creation,” Kidero said.
Kidero, who alleged that he was denied an ODM ticket in the August 9, elections, said the party was what it is because of the youth and majority membership.
“Zeal and passion in the party support soldiers and army for the party yet when bread is being shared nobody thinks of them,” Kidero added.
The former Homa Bay gubernatorial candidate instead advised ODM chairman John Mbadi, Babu Owino, and Ledama Ole Kina that it’s not about what is happening in the choice of parliamentary leadership but even in nominations to the county assembly.
Migori senator, Eddy Oketch on Thursday, September 22, claimed that a section of ODM officials was attempting to hold Raila hostage, with a majority of the leaders blackmailing him to get positions in the party.
“ODM Party is Baba (Raila). But baba is very unlucky. Most of those masquerading around him as his lieutenants are just there to achieve their personal interests. They always get what they want. Baba does not get what he wants,” he said.
