Senior ODM party officials have lashed out at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for allegedly meddling in their party’s affairs.
Led by the ODM party National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed, the leaders told off Mr Gachagua saying he lacks experience in politics to offer any advice to any political formation.
“You are the last person who can advise ODM. You served for one term in parliament and quarter term as a deputy president. You do not have the political experience to advise a political group that has been in existence for 20 years,” Junet said.
Mr. Mohamed accused the former Deputy President of scheming for the brutality against ODM supporters while he served as the second in command.
He recalled instances when the Gachagua would go to his office before sunrise to strategize for the brutality against ODM protesters.
“Rigathi has not visited Baba’s (Raila Odinga) grave and we are convinced that he infact celebrated his death. Can such a person advise ODM?” Mr Mohamed questioned.
Ms Wanga said the former deputy president should concentrate on running what she termed as his village party and keep off ODM.
“Don’t talk to us about issues of our party. Concentrate on yours,” she said.
The leaders spoke during a funds drive to aid the construction of Kendu Muslim Community Cultural and Resource Centre.
They said their party members were not afraid of facing off candidates from other political formations during next year’s general elections.
ODM is pushing for zoning and intends to include it as one of the agendas in their pre-election talks with UDA.
If it succeeds then each party will field candidates in areas that are perceived to be its strongholds.
Mr. Mohamed said zoning does not mean candidates from other parties outside their coalition will be barred from contesting.
“We are not barring anyone from contesting because it is a freedom that everyone has and it is protected by law,” the Suna East MP said.
He however explained that zoning will block members of the coalition that they intend to form from presenting two candidates in one electoral area.
While giving reference to the United Kingdom’s Labour and the Conservative Parties and United States’ Democratic and Republican parties, he said there are regions that have always been dominated by one political group.
Likewise, he said Kenya has regions where each party commands support and should maintain the same position even after the next poll.
“Nyanza, Western, Coast and Nairobi are strongholds of ODM. These are regions we want to retain.” Mr. Mohamed said.
The ODM officials assured its members that it will conduct a free and fair nominations.
Mr. Mohamed said he is ready to face off his competitors at the ballot during nomination and he is ready to step down should he be defeated at the party primaries.
His sentiments were echoed by Wanga who said she is ready to face off with anyone who wants to challenge her in the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat.
She said conducting a free and fair nomination is one of the ways of ensuring the party becomes strong.
Governor Wanga announced measures that the party has put in place to strengthen it including massive recruitment of youths.
The ODM plans to hold youth conventions where it will hold a series of rallies to engage young voters on what they need to make their lives better.
“There are millions of people who have IDs but have not registered as voters. We intend to go to 25 counties and have a conversation with the youths,” Ms Wanga said.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma told aspirants in the region who intend to contest for political seats to join ODM.
He said that they have better chances of winning at the election when they contest for seats using the party.
“The party has opened a portal for all aspirants. Whoever wants to vie for any seat should enlist themselves,” Mr. Kaluma said.
By Davis Langat.
