Bitter-sweet Orange
Posted by African Press International on November 16, 2007
By Standard Team
The bitter-sweet story of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) can now be told. Spoilt for choice from an array of technocrats, academics, former UN staff, former high profile expatriates and seasoned politicians of immense clout, ODM has just woken up to its real nightmare. While the demand for its nomination certificate has raised its profile and positioned presidential flagbearer, Mr Raila Odinga, as a top contender, the party last night appeared alive to the Catch 22 situation this influx has forced upon it. The Orange party moved to avert the simmering rivalry among parliamentary aspirants by banning them from addressing joint rallies.This edict appeared to target, among other contenders for the ODM ticket, former Cabinet ministers, Mr Isaac Ruto and Mr John Koech, in Chepalungu constituency, which has attracted an incredibly high number of aspirants.
But the tension that has been building in the constituency snapped up on Thursday when supporters of two protagonists clashed at a rally addressed by the party presidential running mate, Mr Musalia Mudavadi, at Siongiroi playground in Bomet.This unfolded as a weary-looking Raila wound up an energy-sapping three-day campaign blitz of North Eastern Province.
“This region requires a Marshall Plan to address the poor infrastructure, build schools and abattoirs to uplift you from the squalor that has been forced upon you,” Raila, unrelenting on his Majimbo catchphrase, told a huge rally at Garissa ASK show grounds.
“Ignore those against a devolved system of government as documented in the Bomas draft and hold me to account if majimbo fails,” he said.
ODM Pentagon member, Mr Najib Balala, and party chairman, Mr Henry Kosgey, also addressed the rally.
In an apparent anticipation of the conflicts it will have to deal with, the party National Elections Board chairman, Mr Justice Richard Kwach, held a meeting with aspirants from various constituencies at Orange House, Nairobi.
His message: “You must work together for the interest of the party. Shun violent rivalry.”
On his part, Mudavadi, who said ODM would continue to embrace a culture of peace, respect of law and order, stated: “We are not going to allow rivalry among aspirants to bring chaos and violence in our party. We shall separate them and ensure they don’t address joint rallies”.
Ms Josephine Kuluo, the party election board secretary, reiterated that the nominations would be free and fair.
The crisis in the Orange party is aptly captured by its nominations short-list for parliamentary and civic candidates, which points at an influx of aspirants who quit lucrative jobs — at home and abroad — to try their hand at the equally lucrative world of politics.
The heavy weightsThey include technocrats and public servants who served in the current and former regime.One time Financial Secretary, Mr Joseph Oyula, is eyeing the Butula seat, Busia, while former PCs, Mr Francis Lekolool, Mr Francis Sigei and Mr Andrew Mudinyu, have been shortlisted to vie in Samburu West, Sotik and Ikolomani.Mr James Gesami, who was Nyanza Provincial Medical Officer, will contest in West Mugirango with Dr Monda Onsere, a former provincial veterinary officer lined up against others to battle it out in Nyaribari Chache, Kisii.
Former Teachers Service Commission Secretary, Mr Benjamin Sogomo, will seek to unseat Mr John Korir in Mogotio, Koibatek, as the party lined up former long-serving Pangani Girls High School Principal in Nairobi, Ms Ruth Cheruiyot, to run in Starehe, Nairobi.
Prof George Eshiwani, a former Kanu think-tank and one-time Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor, will make his bid in Khwisero.
Those who have left well-paying UN jobs to contest parliamentary seats on an ODM ticket are Dr Vincent Akoko Orinda, who will vie in Karachuonyo and Mr Yusuf Hassan Abdi (Kamukunji).
Former Communication Commission of Kenya Director-General, Mr Samuel Chepkonga, is eyeing Eldoret East, while one-time Lands Commissioner, Mr Sammy Mwaita, will slug it out in Baringo Central.
Former Kussco managing director, Mr Edward Mudibo, will try his luck in Funyula, whose MP in the last Parliament was Vice-President Mr Moody Awori, while his colleague in Ufundi Sacco, Mr Alfred Khangati, will be in Kanduyi, Bungoma.
Former military officers Lt Gen Augustine Cheruiyot and Lt Gen John Koech will do battle for the Emgwen and Ainamoi seats respectively.
Former Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company corporate affairs manager, Mr Vyakweli Mbaruku, will take a shot at Mombasa’s Likoni seat, while former Constitution of Kenya Review Commission commissioner, Dr Abdirizak Nunow, is eyeing Wajir South.
Former PS for Roads and Public Works, Mr Mohamud M Mohammed, will seek the Mandera West seat. Mohammed’s former colleagues Mr James Ongwae, Mr James Rege, Mr Zakayo Cheruiyot and Dr Sally Kosgei will be contesting in Kitutu Chache, Karachuonyo, Kuresoi and Aldai.
In Garissa, Mr Adan Duale and Mr Ali Korane — both gunning for the Dujis seat — received Raila at the local military airstrip yesterday.
The ODM entourage jetted into the facility from Fafi and Dadaab Refugee Camp where they had solicited votes.
“The Government is disbursing 2.5 per cent of the total revenue through CDF. That is token development. ODM will disburse 60 per cent of national resources for the people to decide their priority projects,” Raila pledged.
“This part of Kenya has been forgotten by successive regimes, but count on ODM to give the province priority.”
The team braved scorching sun during the three-day campaign in arguably one of the toughest terrains in the country.
Raila cautioned the Provincial Administration, singling out NEP PC, Mr Kiritu Wamae, for allegedly campaigning for PNU and against Majimbo.
— Reports by Ben Agina, Boniface Ongeri and Vitalis Kimutai
Lifted and published by API/APN africanpress@chello.no source.standard.ke
