By Faith Anene, Kakamega
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership in Kakamega County has moved to dispel claims of internal divisions, assuring party supporters that the outfit remains strong and united under the stewardship of county governor Fernandez Barasa.
Addressing the press at the party’s headquarters in Kakamega, ODM Kakamega deputy chairman Nelson Majimbo Nyongesa and ODM Navakholo branch chairman Rodgers Wakhisi urged supporters not to be misled by what they termed as malicious propaganda being spread by rival factions.
They emphasized that the party has put in place firm strategies to protect the interests of its members and to ensure that no group succeeds in destabilizing it.
“The ODM party is intact in Kakamega, and we will not allow a few individuals with selfish interests to derail our focus. Our members should remain calm and confident that their party is working for them,” Nyongesa said.
The remarks came in the wake of a meeting organized by MPs allied to Lugari legislator Nabii Nabwera, who was recently elected as chairman of Kakamega ODM during a controversial process.
The meeting, reportedly a homecoming for Nabwera, has heightened speculation about simmering divisions within the party’s county branch.
According to the leaders, the parallel activities are being driven by external forces bent on weakening ODM in the region.
They pointed fingers at former Kakamega governor and current Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Wycliffe Oparanya, accusing him of allegedly sponsoring Nabwera’s group to rival the mainstream leadership.
“Hon. Oparanya should keep off ODM matters in Kakamega. We know he is behind the schemes to divide the party, but we will not allow that to happen,” Ernest Keya charged, adding that ODM remains a dominant force in the region despite attempts to sow discord.
The leaders further affirmed their loyalty to Governor Fernandez Barasa, who they said has demonstrated commitment to strengthening ODM in the county and working closely with the national party leadership.
They insisted that the party’s unity in Kakamega is not negotiable and warned those seeking to exploit internal disagreements for political gain to desist.
