Prime Minister Raila Odinga's step brother has seemingly broken ranks with his family and decided to invite his brother's political rivals, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto to their home in Bondo. Raila's step brother Isaac Omondi Odinga told the Star yesterday that he had invited the two leaders to the Odinga home in Bondo to help in a fund raising event scheduled for April 6 in aid of Omondi's election campaign kitty.
Omondi, who is the councillor of Milimani ward in Kisumu has also declared his intention to challenge another half brother, Raila's elder brother Oburu Odinga in the Bondo parliamentary race.
Oburu, who is an assistant Finance minister has represented Bondo since 1994 when he succeeded his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who died two years after he was elected to Parliament. The late Jaramogi had represented the constituency from Independence until 1969 when he was detained by the Kenyatta government.
Omondi is the first born son of Jaramogi's third wife Susan Agik Odinga who runs a tailoring businesswoman in Kisumu. Jaramogi was polygamous and had four wives— Mary Juma, Gaudencia Adeya, Susan Agik and Betty Adongo. With these wives he had seventeen children. Mary is the mother of Raila and Oburu and died in 1984. "There is nothing wrong with Uhuru and Ruto coming to Bondo. My decision to invite them is in good faith and I'm sure my brothers will also attend the function," said Omondi.
Yesterday, Oburu, who is the Jaramogi family spokesman by virtue of being the eldest son, could not be reached for comments as he was away in the UK. However, his younger sister Ruth Odinga was quick to dismiss the planned funds drive by Omondi saying it was 'political.' “It is unfortunate that the media is asking me about our brother’s planned harambee even before he tells the family. I want to say that the move is political and l advise my brother to be wary of politicians out to use him and dump him later,” she said.
Raila's director of communications Dennis Onyango declined to comment on the scheduled harambee at the Odinga home. Raila's cousin who is ODM's Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo described the invitation as a 'welcome move.' “Ruto and Uhuru have freedom of movement and they are free to come to Kisumu for any occasion. Omondi equally enjoys freedom of association and can therefore associate with anybody regardless of party affiliation,” said Midiwo who is the MP for Gem.
Uhuru and Ruto have been exchanging bitter words after Raila said the two should be in prison for crimes against humanity charges they are facing at the International Criminal Court instead of criss crossing the country attending prayer rallies. Yesterday, the two leaders addressed yet another prayer meeting at Kitale where they repeated their allegations against Raila and accused him of being 'dishonest.' Omondi is known to be a lone ranger in the Odinga family and pointedly refused to back the election of Kisumu mayor Sam Okello whom Raila endorsed. Omondi instead campaigned for James Oyolo who lost the election.
Apart from Uhuru and Ruto, other politicians invited to the funds drive by Omondi include Makadara MP Mike Sonko, Eugene Wamalwa of Saboti and Linah Jebii Kilimo of Marakwet East. The three have confirmed they will attend the function. Omondi was confident that the other invitees will also attend the function which will be held at Jaramogi's Milimani home and whose chief guest will be Ruto.Omondi promised to make a 'big announcement' during the event.
Speaking from Kitale where he was attending the prayer rally, Cherangany MP Joshua Kuttuny who is a staunch Ruto ally confirmed that Uhuru and Ruto will attend the fund raiser. He said the fund raising event will be held a few days before the leaders visit Kisumu for another scheduled prayer rally. “People should not think that we lack supporters in Kisumu. For those who have thought that we cannot penetrate Luo Nyanza region I think it is now evident that we have not only got support from the community but Raila’s family itself," said Kutuny
Jaramogi’s Milimani home was a beehive of activity as arrangements for the fund raiser began in earnest after Omondi received confirmation from his invited guests that they would attend the function. On hand to help Omondi with the arrangements was United Republican Party activist George Ayugi alias Mbuta who has twice hosted party leader William Ruto in Kisumu. “This is the kind of democracy that all regions must now embrace. The culture where some leaders were not allowed to visit certain regions is long gone and we should welcome one another,” said Ayugi.
Bondo Town Council chairman Henry Ondeje described Omondi as a 'political opportunist' who wanted to capitalize on the falling out of Raila and Ruto for his own selfish gain. “It is unfortunate that instead of concentrating on developing his ward, he is looking for opportunities to make money for his own benefit,” added Ondeje.
A close ally of Omondi and Nyalenda ward councillor Jackton Onunga said he surprised by Omondi's decision. “I think he needs prayers because what is transpiring is not normal,” he said about Omondi's plan to hold the harambee. Kisumu County inter-party youth forum coordinator Noah Olwero said it was a welcome move and was an “evident sign of democracy at work.”
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment