The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) has revealed fresh wrangles among members including intimidation at county assemblies.
In a statement released on Monday, September 16, the deputy party leader Senator Godfrey Osotsi revealed a leadership row in Kakamega County, summoning Governor Fernandes Barasa for disciplinary action.
According to Osotsi, the governor has been frustrating members of the County Assembly after failing to implement certain recommendations.
“The Central Committee of ODM met on 11th September 2024 to deliberate on various matters including the situation in Kakamega County and specifically the leadership row at the Assembly,” the statement read in part.
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Other Accusations Against Fernandes Barasa
Additionally, Barasa has been accused of attacking senior officials of the party at funerals, media, and other public gatherings.
He is also accused of colluding with the Speaker of the Assembly and the former majority leader to frustrate members of the assembly.
“Governor Barasa has already been invited to make his case before the same organ he is now disparaging, and this does not bode well for the proper resolution of the matters in question.”
“Following communication of this resolution we have seen unwarranted attacks on the Central Committee and Senior officials of the Party by the Governor and his acolytes at funerals, media, and other public gatherings,” added Osotsi.
All ODM politicians have been warned against disrespecting the party organs especially the Central Committee which is chaired by the party leader Raila Odinga.
“My advice to the Governor is that he ceases and desists from this unbecoming behavior and await his date with the committee where he will be offered an opportunity to give his version.”
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Leadership Changes in ODM
On September 11, ODM appointed Kisumu Governor Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o to head party affairs while Raila Odinga concentrates on his African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson campaigns.
Therefore, Nyong’o was mandated to chair the Central Management Committee on behalf of Raila Odinga.
Kisii Governor, Simba Arati his Mombasa counterpart, Abdulswamad Nassir, and Busia Senator Osotsi are the Deputy Party Leaders, and Gladys Wanga was appointed the National Chairperson of the party.
“That in light of the grueling campaign schedule by our Party Leader and the need for him to focus on this, he has designated Peter Anyang Nyongo, the Governor Kisumu, to Chair any and such meetings of the Central Committee that may become necessary during periods of his absence,” ODM announced
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