ODM ‘Young Turks’ now want old guard replaced

Monday, August 12, 2013 ·

A split between the old guard and youthful, newly elected leaders in the Orange Democractic Movement (ODM) is threatening party unity ahead of its upcoming national elections. The two sets of leaders exchanged words before party leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as it emerged that the ODM ‘Young Turks’ want Raila and the veteran politicians to exit the party leadership ahead of the 2017 elections, while the old guard want him to continue as the flag bearer.
Raila, apparently aware of the deep schism between his lieutenants, steered clear of an issue that is fast taking centre stage in the party, as younger MPs continue an emerging quest to take up strong positions in the Orange party. The power games come at a time when ODM is scheduled to hold its National Delegates Conference (NDC) on August 15, according to its head of secretariat Magerer Langat.

Some leaders who are keen on taking various positions include former head of LDP secretariat Professor Larry Gumbe and TJ Okinda. Gumbe insists the old guard have been a let down to the party’s growth and blame them of costing Raila victory in the last General Election.. ODM young MPs from Nyanza region who are pushing for the change of leadership at the party hierarchy came under scathing attack from the party veterans who accused them of plotting a coup in the party.
The exchange of words was played up at Awasi during a home coming ceremony hosted for leader of majority at the Kisumu County Assembly Samuel Ongou and attended by MPs, Senators, county representatives and other regional leaders. Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo kicked off the storm when he told the young MPs to tone down their surge, saying that was not the best way to revamp the party.
Jakoyo said the tactics being employed by the MPs to dislodge the old guard were not proper as no election of the party had officially been announced by the party office. “This is division being created among the party, with these MPs going round the region championing for party elections, yet the ODM governing council has not met over the same,” said Jakoyo who is also the deputy leader of minority party in the National Assembly.
Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama jaoined in the fray on the side of Jakoyo and insisted that the MPs should cease from causing unnecessary tension in the party. He challenged them to push for beneficial motions in Parliament aimed at improving the lives of their electorate. “Some of these MPs going around Nyanza region have not even proposed any motion in Parliament for debate. Let them learn the ropes in Parliament before calling for a coup within ODM,” he said.
One of the MPs who is pushing for the takeover, Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura who was present, promised a titanic battle to wrestle party power from the old party guard. Obura said the change in the party was inevitable, promising he and like- minded ODM MPs would not beat a retreat in their quest to pump new blood into the leadership of the party.
“I want to warn my colleagues that we are unstoppable. This team of young MPs has made a resolve and there is no turning back,”he declared. Ongou said there was no clause in the ODM constitution which bars older members from contesting for positions of leadership. Two weeks ago, a group of MPs endorsed Obura for the position of ODM secretary general which is held by Kisumu Senator Anyang Nyongo.
Obura’s camp that is calling for a total overhaul of the party by replacing the old guard includes others calling themselves ‘Young Turks’, Ken Okoth (Kibra), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Sylvance Osele (Kasipul Kabodo) Fred Opiyo (Awendo) – and George Oner (Rangwe). Old guard leaders also defended the former PM against those calling for his early retirement. Senators Anyang Nyongo, Otieno Kajwang, James Orengo and Muth- ama said Raila is still active and should therefore not be pushed into retirement.
“The first independence President the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta died while in office at the age of 78. Raila has not reached that age yet and should not be pushed into retirement,” said Muthama Orengo said there was no retirement in politics and asked Raila to remain steadfast in fighting for devolution as enshrined in the new Constitution.
His Homa Bay counterpart, Kajwang said the government should not use intimidation and arm twisting to have Raila edged out of politics early. He said the issue of vehicles and security alongside retirement benefits for the former premier should not be dangled for Raila. However, Raila called for a concerted effort among the old and the young in the party to ensure ODM remains vibrant and that nobody is discriminated from party affairs.
Raila maintained he would continue advocating for the full implementation of the new constitution, as he avoided answering the blunt calls against his leadership by the new MPs. He said he would try as much as possible to remain relevant in issues affecting millions of Kenyans currently. He turned his attention to the Government saying it is bent on diluting the Police Service Commission and promised to ensure reforms in the force are implemented.
“It is quite disheartening to see how the government is pushing to shelve some of the police reforms as enshrined in the new constitution. I will stand my ground to ensure police reforms are not scuttled,” he told the gathering. Among those present were Ken Okoth (Kibra), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Sylvance Osele (Kasipul Kabondo), Jared Opiyo (Awendo and George Oner (Rangwe) and Junet Ochieng. Women Representatives included Gladys Wanga (Homa-bay), Christine Ombaka (Siaya), Florence Mutua (Busia) and Rose Nyamunga (Kisumu).