After gracing the Winnie Odinga Kamukunji rally and openly showing support for the rebelling ODM camp, Nairobi County legislator for Kilimani ward Moses Ogeto now risks being axed from the powerful Majority Whip’s position at the County Assembly.
The move follows an escalating power struggle within the Orange Democratic Movement over the party’s national leadership, a battle that has now split Nairobi MCAs into rival camps.
On Wednesday, a group of ODM MCAs publicly accused Ogeto of siding with EALA legislator Winnie Odinga against party leader Dr Oburu Oginga.
The legislators warned that they would initiate steps to remove Ogeto from his leadership role once the Assembly resumes from recess, accusing him of undermining the party’s current leadership and pushing an agenda linked to a faction calling for changes at the top.
Also facing the axe is Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok, who serves as the Majority Leader. Like Ogeto, Imwatok has been accused of associating with a group of ODM leaders seen as rebellious, including party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who have questioned the party’s direction and its support for the broad-based government.
Raba Dogo MCA Geoffrey Majiwa said ODM MCAs loyal to Dr Oburu would not tolerate leaders who openly challenge the party while holding key positions in the Assembly. He insisted that those dissatisfied with the current leadership should step aside.
However, Ogeto dismissed the threats, daring his critics to follow due process if they want him removed. He said the party should resolve its disputes through dialogue and a national delegates conference.
The standoff has exposed deep divisions within ODM’s Nairobi wing. Speaking recently during an interview, Winnie condemned what she termed as witch-hunt on those seen with her during the rally.
By Nation