CHECK MATE

Driven by a desire to maintain firm grip over his political base in Nyanza, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been accused of positioning ‘checkmates’ to put region’s MPs under watch.

Those on the list of checkmates are said to be financially strong individuals in the public and private sector and have easy access to the PM.

Last weekend’s ODM delegates meeting in Nyanza opened a can of worms on the intrigues in the party that threaten to cause political animosity.

At the meeting, emerging political divide that pits the incumbent MPs against their rivals in the constituencies came to the fore.

Apart from checkmates in Nyanza, the PM has also been accused of placing ‘watchers’ in other parts of the country.

For instance, Tourism Minister Najib Balala, who has reportedly fallen out with the PM, has Mombasa mayor as his political checkmate in Mvita.

Also to keep Balala in check is Kisauni MP Ali Hassan Joho, who was elevated to the position of ODM national organising secretary.

In Nyanza, there is rivalry between incumbents and former MPs, in what is seen as a well-calculated plan by Raila to ensure MPs are kept under check.

For instance, Karachuonyo MP James Rege has been engaged in constant power struggle with former MP Adhu Awiti, who is the Prime Minister’s political advisor. Adhu, a former minister is now a civil servant, operating from Raila’s offices at the Treasury Building.

In Kisumu Town West, MP Olago Aluoch has to contend with Rosa Buyu Buyu, who was appointed a commissioner in the Interim Independent Boundary Commission.

Buyu narrowly lost to Aluoch in the last General Election.

Again, Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo is closely under the watch of Philip Okundi, who is the chairman of the ODM election board and also the chairman of Communications Commission of Kenya.

In Rarieda, area MP Nicholas Gumbo, who was once the political checkmate of former Information Minister Raphael Tuju, now finds himself in a similar situation.

His rival Otiende Amolo is in the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review.

In Gwasi, MP John Mbadi has to contend with Omondi Karoli, who is a secretary in the PM’s office.

Mbadi defeated Karoli in the ODM nominations in the last General Election.

Internal Security Assistant Minister and Ndhiwa MP Orwa Ojode, who has in the recent past re-invented himself as an independent politician, has a checkmate in ODM Nyanza regional co-ordinator Monicah Amolo.

Party wrangles

Amolo is also a director at the National Cereal and Produce Board.

Western Kenya MPs have not been spared either.

Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu has to contend with his perennial rival Andrew Ligale, who is the chairman of the IIBRC.

Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya has a checkmate in vice-chairman of ODM election board Amukowa Anangwe.

The politics of checkmate have precipitated wrangles in the constituencies and led to various ODM factions developing in the region’s branches.

Rege is among MPs unhappy with the situation.

"The opponents should not use their political appointments to undermine the incumbent but work together for the good of the electorates," he says.

But Okundi refutes the allegations, saying these emanate from the fear MPs have for their rivals.

ODM treasurer Omingo Magara hit the nail on the head when he said there is a political move targeting Nyanza Province that aims at destroying regional unity.

"We have been squabbling and fighting among ourselves and we have not realised that it is a scheme aimed at dismantling us ahead of 2012 General Election. We must watch out to remain relevant," he said.

Ogindo claims the problems in the party have been created by the ODM secretariat, which he says favours certain individuals.

"Why is it that if you defeat someone in an election, he or she can beat you in party elections within a span of three months? We demand fresh elections in constituencies where we have witnessed trouble," he says.

Rege says they are working out ways to resolve disputes in constituencies.

"We need to resolve election disputes and concentrate on service delivery and strengthening the party ahead of the next General Election," he says.

Nyakach MP Pollyns Ochieng’ Daima blames ODM Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o and the election board for the wrangles in the branches.

But Awiti claims some of their opponents are moles being used to cripple Raila’s 2012 presidential bid.