Why ODM rebels are under the spotlight as numbers increase

ODM dissenters have denied claims they are being driven by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, amid concerns that most of the MPs in the team have technically decamped the party.

The youthful lawmakers have since been joined by Siaya Governor James Orengo, a veteran politician, giving them a major political boost.

The team which includes party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna heads to Busia on Sunday.

However, the composition of the new team, now campaigning under the banner “Linda Wananchi” raises key questions.

Although elected under ODM, several MPs in the team, especially from the Gusii region are key allies of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

The MPs switched their loyalty even when the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was still active.

They include Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and Bomachoge Borabu MP Barongo Obadiah.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has also joined the team.

Interestingly, Caroli was this week named by Uhuru and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the Azimio Secretary General.

ODM has opposed the changes.

In a televised interview, however, Sifuna welcomed the changes.

Observers say the plot could be to weaken ODM from within and then shift the political capital to the opposition.

In a sign that the gloves are now off within ODM, party leader Oburu Odinga for the first time publicly challenged Sifuna on a number of party positions, including coalition talks with President William Ruto.

“In recent months the secretary general has occasionally struggled to distinguish between his personal opinions and official party policy as determined by constitutionally mandated organs,” Oburu said, signalling what could be the beginning of tough love.

But speaking ahead of the much publicised Busia rally, the leaders denied any opposition links and insisted theirs is about reconnecting with the grassroots.

“I am a very honest politician,” ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi told the Star when asked about Uhuru links.

“I have not seen anything like that. I don’t think it is true because we are struggling in terms of funding our events.”

The christening of the rally as ‘Linda Wananchi’ is deliberately positioned as a direct counter to the ‘Linda Ground’ mobilisation being pushed by the other team led by Oburu.

Busia rally has seen a remarkable surge in confirmations from lawmakers allied to the dissenting wing.

According to Sifuna, the team will first attend a church service in Busia town before addressing the locals.

At least 20 MPs have confirmed attendance, the highest number yet for a single event linked to the dissenting group.

Some of the leaders who have confirmed attendance include Orengo, MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Barongo Obadiah (Bomachoge Borabu), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) and Nyamira Senator Okong’o Mogeni.

Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Wamboka Wanami (Bumula), Kimilu Joshua (Kaiti), Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Majibo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Oundo Wilberforce (Funyula), Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi), Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and politician Brian Weke have also confirmed attendance.

Osotsi says there is nothing unusual in the growing numbers.

“Those are ODM members and if they see freshness and good ideas in what we are doing, do you want us to chase them? Of course, we cannot,” Osotsi explained.

“Ours is about ideology and if there is anyone who likes our ideology, we are not shutting any door to anyone, even those in two-term group, if they change their mind and they want to go back to ideological thinking they are free to join us.”

Adding to the Uhuru intrigue, Sifuna was among the first leaders to publicly back the recent changes in Azimio pushed by Uhuru, a position that critics say fuels claims of a connection between the rebels and the former president’s political strategy.

The Nairobi senator during a late-night show on Citizen TV on Tuesday congratulated the coalition leadership and the newly appointed officials, noting that the coalition had remained stable following the changes.

The Azimio Council and NEC chaired by Uhuru named Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka party leader of the coalition, while Caroli was appointed Secretary General. Former Nairobi town clerk Philip Kisia was named executive director.

“I congratulate the new office holders and wish them the very best. They can count on the support of ODM Party as long as we remain members of the Azimio Coalition,” he added.

ODM later dismissed the changes and protested to the Registrar of Political Parties John Lorionokou not to effect the changes.

But Osotsi maintained that attempts to link their activities to Uhuru is diversionary.

“Whoever is saying that is diversionary, there is no truth in it and I don’t think it is making sense at all,” Osotsi said.

Osotsi acknowledged differences with the party’s mainstream leadership but said dissent should not be mistaken for rebellion sponsored from outside.

He said their team is struggling to finance their activities, occasionally relying on well-wishers to roll out their activities.

“We are heavily dependent on small well-wishers who are enthusiastic about what we are doing. They are not the big people as being claimed. We had an event in Kawangware, it was just a simple church service and then we went to meet people on the roadside. How much money do you need to do that?” Osotsi posed.

He said Busia will be no different unlike their rivals who have their activities heavily merchandised.

“In Busia, you will never see buses ferrying people there. People will just come. All we have invested in is the public address system and a vehicle to announce that we are coming. Those are simple things that we do on our own,” the Vihiga senator explained.

“We are struggling that is why you see our meetings are not heavily merchandised like theirs (Oburu/Wanga camp), because we have no money.”

The issue of funding has been a thorny issue in the Orange party with leaders led by Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga challenging party officials to explain the source of millions funding the party activities.

“Those with the answers, why can’t you provide them? Are governors funding the campaigns? Are MPs doing it from the CDF kitty? Did we get a philanthropist that a party SG is not aware of who is funding the clearly expensive public fora? And what is in it for the ‘philanthropist’?” posed Ruth.