Orange MPs plan to replace party leaders

ODM party chairman Henry Kosgey. Photo/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By NATION REPORTER
Posted  Monday, July 29   2013 at  23:30

A group of MPs has embarked on a campaign to replace the current ODM leaders who they accuse of failing to help former Prime Minister Raila Odinga win the presidency.

The MPs are said to be targeting party chairman Henry Kosgey, secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o and other ODM national leaders in their campaign to lay ground for Mr Odinga’s presidential bid in the next elections.

The group of MPs, mainly from Nyanza, is looking at the National Delegates Conference to be held at the end of the year to stage the leadership change.

On Monday, MPs Ken Obura (Kisumu Central), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita) and party think-tank Larry Gumbe were clear that ODM required new leadership ideas to win in the next elections.

“We are not necessarily targeting the old guards. What we want is a blend of both because while the old have wisdom, the young have the energy to go out there and do the running. We should not be misunderstood,” they said.

However, Mr Obura, who is campaigning for the secretary-general post, insisted that the new leadership should have fresh faces. “We want fresh leadership injected into the party. The fresh faces must be youthful,” he said.

At the weekend, Mr Obura led a team of MPs in addressing rallies in Kasipul Kabondo and Rangwe, pitching for a new leadership to ensure Mr Odinga does not encounter obstacles in his presidential bid like “in 2007 and 2013.”

Leaders at the rally in Sega, Siaya, include MPs Dave Ochieng’ (Ugenya), Ken Okoth (Kibra), George Ogalo (Rangwe), Sylvance Osele (Kasipul), Jared Opiyo (Awendo), Junet Mohamed (Suna East) and Women Reps Christine Ombaka, Rose Nyamunga, Gladys Wanga and Florence Mutua.