Respect Raila or leave ODM – MP Opiyo Wandayi tells r****s
A section of politicians from the Nyanza region now wants perceived ODM party rebels to desist from attacking party leader Raila Odinga or bolt out.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said the political rebellion that is building up in the former Prime Minister's backyard will be crushed.
He challenged those opposing the leadership of the ODM party boss to quit and form their own political parties.
"We want to assure you that any such rebellion will be crushed convincingly. If you feel you have the capacity to challenge ODM, please go ahead and form your own party," Wandayi said.
The Ugunja MP was speaking during the burial ceremony of the late Rosa Amoth at Pap Boro village in Usonga, Siaya County, on Saturday, December 18. The deceased was the mother of Dr Patrick Amoth, the acting Director General for Health.
Wandayi's remarks were echoed by Siaya Governor James Orengo who insisted that the ODM chief must be respected.
“We shall not accept a few people to undermine Raila Odinga, leaders from both the national and county governments must respect him," Orengo said.
Orengo said there was no political vacuum in the region's political leadership, further asking those seeking favours from the Kenya Kwanza government to do so with respect.
"We want to work together to bring development in every region. However, the cooperation between the national and county governments must be within the Constitution," Orengo added.
Since the ODM party leader lost the August presidential election to Kenya Kwanza's William Ruto, some leaders from Nyanza and Western regions have shifted allegiance to the government with some saying it was time for Raila to retire from active politics after unsuccessfully contesting for the country's top seat five times.
Meanwhile, MP Wandayi asked the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Health to confirm Dr Amoth as Director General for Health, saying he is qualified for the job.
Wandayi said Amoth, who has been acting for three years, has accumulated enough experience to head the docket.
"You can not continue acting in that role forever. This is the opportune time for them to conform you for that position for which you are overly qualified," Wandayi added.
PSC advertised the position in June. A substantive holder of the office is yet to be selected.
