The whirlpool stirred by Rift Valley MPs in ODM continued as MPs called for a special National Governing Council meeting to resolve the problem that threatens to tear the party apart.
The MPs, who are allied to Prime Minister Raila Odinga, made the call even as the Secretariat downplayed reports that Mr Henry Kosgey planned to quit the party chairmanship post in the coming weeks. In Mombasa, Eldoret North MP William Ruto — who has led the anti-Raila wing in the Orange Democratic Movement — was wooing the Coast region with the announcement that the political vehicle for the 2012 General Election was now ready for take-off.
"We are here to seek support of the Coast people so that this region can walk with us. The ark we have built will unite Kenyans beyond tribe, party, region and religious borders and it is ready for 2012. Our vessel is also beyond political schemes that we have witnessed," said Ruto.
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| Prime Minister Raila Odinga |
In Nairobi, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, who is the party’s joint coalition Chief Whip, asked his Rift Valley colleagues to use party organs for redress.
"ODM leaders from Rift Valley should stop insulting, intimidating and undermining the party leadership from within as it is a breach of respect.
"We can’t wash our dirty linen in public. Let us spare party supporters epithets of shame and use the party organs to sort out our problems," he said.
On Friday, ODM Party Leader Raila dared those who were disgruntled to quit the party.
But on Saturday, the Rift Valley MPs — who have openly indicated their desire to relinquish party posts — said they were not ready to be pushed out just yet.
"We will announce when we will quit ODM and nobody should try to force us out of the party," said Belgut MP Charles Keter at the rally held at Nyali area in Mombasa.
Speaking on the new political party, believed to be the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Ruto said it would avoid mistakes of the past where political leaders stood behind others in elections but were later ignored.
Ruto told his detractors that the political hurdles he was facing would be used as political ladders in his 2012 campaign for the Presidency.
Expressing displeasure
Midiwo, who returned from Southern Sudan — whose referendum for independence ended on Saturday — said it was wrong that while ODM had strong party structures, some members had chosen to use the press to wage wars.
"It is trivial to engage in a trade of words. It undermines the dignity and decorum bestowed upon ODM leaders," said Midiwo.
He appealed to members to remain calm as efforts are made to calm the "storm in the ODM tea cup".
Earlier, the party’s secretariat had released a statement blaming the media for reporting resolutions arrived at a meeting held at Kosgey’s house on Monday, one of which was that all Rift Valley ODM leaders quit their party positions.
The party accused the media of speculating without confirming from the party on a raft of issues, including whether Chairman Kosgey would be defending his party post.
"Mr Kosgey has never written to the party in regard to these claims and he continues to discharge his duties as he has always done," said the statement.
MPs allied to the Prime Minister, while expressing displeasure by the move by their Rift Valley colleagues, said the party would not be cowed.
They included Kisumu Town MP Olago Aluoch, Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima and Kasipul–Kabondo MP Oyugi Magwanga.
Expressing displeasureOlago said he was not surprised by the unfolding events in the party because there were schemes to "shake the party", but the party would remain strong if the MPs made good their threat to quit.
Magwanga and Daima said the law must be let to rein in ODM.
Responding to an accusation that Raila remained silent on ODM Chairman Kosgey’s woes, the MPs said it could have been disastrous for Raila to openly support people accused of engaging in corruption.
The MPs claimed Raila’s life was torn between the devil and the deep blue sea over issues of graft affecting his members.
"The new Constitution we overwhelming voted for will go down with many people who fail to abide by its dictates," said Midiwo.
Cabinet Minister Paul Otuoma said he would support whatever decision Kosgey makes regarding his party post.
"He has many issues confronting him. If Kosgey quits as the party chairman, it means he wants time to concentrate on the issues," said Otuoma, adding that the chairman has no problems with party members.
Mumias MP Ben Washiali said if Kosgey quits, ODM would seriously be affected.
He said the party should find ways of ensuring Kosgey remains as party chairman even as he tackles his abuse of office case and possible trial at The Hague over the 2007 post-election violence.
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