Nyanza leaders divided over Raila future in region’s politics
A section of ODM legislators in Luo-Nyanza have criticised area politicians pushing for the party leader Raila Odinga’s retirement from active politics.
The leaders led by ODM national chairman John Mbadi, Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Senators Oburu Oginga (Siaya), Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) and Eddy Okech (Migori) argued that it was premature for politicians in the Nyanza region to start engaging residents in succession politics when Raila has not announced his exit from politics.
The lawmakers maintained Raila is still the Luo community king-pin and they recognize him as their leader despite losing in the last presidential election.
MPs Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Ongondo Were (Kabondo Kasipul) and Aduma Owuor (Nyakach) also said they want Raila to stay put in the political arena.
Some Nyanza politicians led by former chairman of Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Odoyo Owidi have openly asked Raila to retire from politics after he lost to President William Ruto in the presidential election.
Others who have criticized Raila’s way of politics are former Governors Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and Okoth Obado (Migori) and former MPs Jared Opiyo (Awendo), Martin Ogindo ( Rangwe) Ken Obura (Kisumu Central) and Dalmas Otieno (Rongo), Fred Outa (Kisumu senator) and Ugenya MP David Ochieng.
However, the ODM legislators say their colleagues whom they described as ‘rebels’ against pushing Raila’s retirement from active politics on the basis of losing presidential election for the fifth time.
Mbadi claimed the leaders are playing cheap politics which will not take them far, noting that the former prime minister was still trusted as the only person who can put the Luo community together.
According to Mbadi, the politicians have not demonstrated they can unite the community and supporters should Raila exit the political scene.
“None of these people jostling to become Luo kingpin has the capacity. Their action and speech divide the community more than they can unite it,” Mbadi said.
He argued that Raila has struggled and fought for the rights of many Kenyans something which his opponents cannot do.
“You can’t get Luo community kingpin-ship in a silver platter. Show us what you have done before you think of telling Raila to exit politics,” he added.
On his part, Orengo warned the politicians against tainting the name of Raila and ODM to get attention of President Ruto.
The governor told residents not to get hoodwinked by leaders who fight for their own interest.
