Moses Wetang’ula’s push to unite Western rattles ODM chiefs
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
What you need to know:
- ODM had in a letter dated May 29 warned the MCAs against attending the meeting.
At least 10 ODM MCAs were in attendance after Mr Wetang’ula invited all MCAs from Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma and Vihiga County Assemblies.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula appears to have renewed his bid to consolidate Western region by reaching out to opposition politicians in a series of meetings.
Mr Wetang’ula hosted a section of ODM Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from the region at his Bungoma home on Monday.
The meeting, which was also attended by some of the opposition MPs from the region, has rattled ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has since threatened disciplinary action against the members who attended the meeting.
Nation has established that at least 10 ODM MCAs were in attendance after Mr Wetang’ula invited all MCAs from Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma and Vihiga County Assemblies.
ODM, through its Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, had in a letter dated May 29 warned the MCAs against attending the meeting.
Informal invitation
“The ODM party has been informed of an informal invitation to some or all of you by the Leader of Ford Kenya Party, Moses Wetang’ula, to a meeting on or around June 3, 2024 at his home in Kabuchai, and whose agenda is unknown to us,” said Mr Ong’wen.
“I am instructed by the party leadership to inform you that attendance of such a meeting shall be subject to the ODM constitution Article 12 (1) (c) and lead to being deemed to have resigned from party membership,” the party warned.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera (ODM), who serves as Western Parliamentary Caucus’ chairman, and has been crucial in organising some of the recent meetings graced by Mr Wetang’ula, denied knowledge of the Monday engagement with the MCAs.
“I am not aware of the meeting between the Speaker and ODM MCAs,” said the MP.
But credible sources within ODM and Mr Wetang’ula’s office confirmed that the meeting took place with about three ODM MPs in attendance.
Mr Wetang’ula appears to be exploiting the resignation of Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi as Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader, which has made him less active in local and party politics.
On January 29, Mr Wetang’ula held a meeting with Western Kenya MPs drawn from across the political divide at Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara, lifting the lid on his behind-the-scenes manoeuvres to rally the leaders around him.
Political undertones
Although described as a ‘routine’ caucus of Western Kenya MPs, the meeting had political undertones after some politicians perceived to be close to Mr Mudavadi and Mr Odinga skipped it.
Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, who doubles up as ANC Secretary General, did not attend the meeting. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, a close ally of Mr Odinga, also gave the meeting a wide berth.
The meeting was attended by MPs Oscar Nabulindo (Matungu), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Martin Pepela (Webuye), Patrick Simiyu (Cherangany), Elsie Mahanda (Kakamega), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale), John Walukhe (Sirisia) and Fred Ikana (Shinyalu).
Others who were in the meeting were Joshua Oyula (Butula), Dick Oyugi (Luanda), Johnson Naika (Mumias West), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Immanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), John Chikati (Tongaren), John Makali (Kanduyi), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Clement Sloya (Sabatia), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli.
During President William Ruto’s visit in the region in February, Mr Wetang’ula disclosed how he has been rallying leaders from the region to unite and work as a team.
