Keep off ODM, party tells Gachagua and opposition ahead of Nairobi mega rally

By  Kevin Cheruiyot

Correspondent

What you need to know:

• ODM chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga asked DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua to stop spreading propaganda about ODM.
• Nairobi ODM branch chairperson and Makadara MP George Aladwa called on the party to embark on grassroots mobilisation.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have announced a mega rally in Nairobi's Jacaranda Ground to mark the end of the month of commemorating Raila Odinga’s first anniversary.

Speaking in Nairobi on Sunday during the delegate’s conference, the party leaders said ODM has not lost its popularity in Nairobi, even as they warned the opposition leaders and the Linda Mwananchi side to prepare for a tough battle ahead.

The party national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga asked Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to stop spreading propaganda about ODM.

“I heard the opposition saying that ODM would not any of the elective seats in the coming elections. Let me remind Gachagua that Nairobi is ODM and we will win all the seats including governor, senate, MPs, MCAs, and Woman Representative. Gachagua does not know us,” Governor Wanga said.

She said the party is determined to maintain Nairobi as one of its stronghold under the current leadership of Dr Oburu Oginga.

The Governor expressed confidence that its partnership with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance would yield more seats in the Senate and the National Assembly.

The deputy party leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati said he will be in the forefront in addressing emerging issues within the party that are threatening its popularity, including the party primaries.

Mr Arati assured the party delegates that the primaries would be free and fair and that tickets would only be issued after the nomination process is completed.

Mr Arati also warned the opposition that the party has put measures in place to guarantee the safety of its leaders and members.

At the same time, Nairobi ODM branch chairperson and Makadara MP George Aladwa called on the party to embark on grassroots mobilisation.

Mr Aaldwa further urged party members to respect the ODM leadership and to allow it to coordinate key party issues.

“We have been assured that party nominations will be free and fair. There should be no monkey businesses where people are picked without going through the process,” Mr Aladwa said.

“No one should disrespect our chairperson. Baba told us that Gladys Wanga is the chairperson of the party. We are ready to deal with those who are trying to attack you,” he said.

Mr Aladwa also announced that he is the only ODM candidate for the Nairobi governor seat, asking those who are interested to come forward and face him in the party primaries.

Raila Junior, who is eyeing Kibera parliamentary seat, also warned their political rivals against spreading propaganda about the party.

“This party is not that small. It was formed by Baba about 20 years ago. No one should ask you to leave this party and join other small parties. We will remain in ODM, even after the nominations,” Raila Junior said.

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (alias Jalango) asked Winnie Odinga to reconsider her decision and remain in the party, and face him in the primaries for the senate ticket.

“My sister Winnie has said that she wants the Senate seat in Nairobi. I am asking her  to remain in the party so that we face each other in primaries. No one should lie to her to ditch the party,” Mr Odiwuor said, adding that it is high time for the party to resume grassroots mobilisation to win back its members.

Other leaders who attended the functions included Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris, Kibera MP Peter Orero, and a number of Nairobi County MCAs as well as aspirants.

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