Raila men in the North Rift fight over Azimio cash
Wycliff Kipsang’
The war of words between ODM leader Raila Odinga’s allies in North Rift has intensified.
It has now it emerged that the row between ODM North Rift chairman Micah Kigen and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos is linked to the use of millions of shillings allocated to Azimio la Umoja programmes in the region.
Local main players were yesterday reluctant to disclose the exact amount, with Kigen only saying “millions of shillings.”
Kigen and Tolgos have clashed over Azimio activities with the latter accusing the county boss of failing to shed light on how the money was utilised.
According to Kigen, the funds were meant to facilitate the initiative’s programmes in a region perceived to be a United Democratic Alliance zone.
But Kigen claims some leaders did not tour the whole region as they claim to popularise Azimio ‘but met a few individuals in hotels’.
People Daily has established that those not comfortable with him feel he is reaping the fruits of their many years in the opposition.
It also emerged that Kigen had already reported the governor to the ODM boss, as the row between the two escalated.
“He (Tolgos) has been running a one-man show by not involving other leaders in the Azimio la Umoja Initiative programmes in the region,” said Kigen.
But in a rejoinder, Tolgos yesterday laughed off Kigen’s accusations, saying his focus at the moment is to implement Azimio La Umoja Initiative programmes in the region.
“I have no time for sideshows. I have decided to support Raila with no hidden agenda. People like Kigen will not distract me,” said Tolgos.
