By A, KNA
Busia Woman Representative and ODM Vice-Secretary Catherine Omanyo has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is losing its grip in the county following its entry into the broad-based government arrangement.
Speaking in Butula during a rally where over 35 defectors from UDA, DAP-K, and MDG officially joined ODM, Omanyo affirmed that the party remains the dominant political force in Busia and across the Western region.
“Today we have welcomed new members into the party in our effort to strengthen our grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general election. ODM remains the most favourable party in Busia County and the Western region at large,” she declared.
Her remarks came two weeks after former Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and former Woman Representative Florence Mutua claimed that ODM was losing touch with the people of Busia, urging residents to consider alternative political options.
Omanyo dismissed their concerns, accusing the two former leaders of lacking gratitude for the party that elevated them to county leadership.
“Some leaders are ungrateful to ODM after it favoured them for years, only for them to openly criticize the party that made them,” she said.
On matters of development, Omanyo urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to reconsider his stance on the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), emphasizing their importance in addressing grassroots needs.
“Without NG-CDF and NGAAF, some regions will be completely marginalized. If you compare the work done by NG-CDF and NGAAF with that of county governments, the impact is clear. CDF has transformed society completely,” she noted.
The Woman Rep also challenged President William Ruto to act decisively in the war against corruption.
“The president should not smear corruption allegations on Parliament. Instead, he must match his words with actions,” Omanyo stated.
Omanyo reiterated that ODM in Busia remains intact despite criticism, saying the leadership is engaging in grassroots consultations to address concerns raised by members before the next general election.
The event drew large crowds, with defectors pledging loyalty to ODM as the party embarks on strengthening its base in Western Kenya.
