•Several meetings were convened to reach a compromise and ensure regional balance in the elective positions.
•However, Orengo when called to pay his tributes, did not deny Ochanda's allegations, but was quick to say that the MP was a beneficiary of the scam.
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@oloo079
Siaya Senator James Orengo differed sharply with Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda over the allegedly skewed ODM party nominations in 2013.
Orengo told off Ochanda in public that despite blaming ODM party honchos from the region for allegedly imposing candidates on the electorate, he (Ochanda) was the greatest beneficiary of the process in 2013.
The two spoke on Saturday at Kaugagi village, Alego/Usonga constituency, during the burial of Lawrence Oduol, father of William Oduol who vied for Siaya governor seat in 2013 and lost.
Ochanda kicked off the debate and every speaker who was invited to pay their last respects blamed ODM top leaders from the region for masterminding electoral flaws in party primaries.
The Bondo MP claimed that together with Oduol, they had formed a formidable team in 2012 to capture power where one was to be the governor candidate and the other deputy, after receiving assurances from Orengo and former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo.
Ochanda narrated how several meetings were convened to reach a compromise and ensure regional balance in the elective positions, with Orengo taking the Senator's seat.
"We were made to sit in several meetings with Oduol to share out the slots,"added Ochanda.
Ochanda added that while they were grappling with how to break the news of their union and the agreed positions at Akala market in Gem, Midiwo abruptly announced that the party had decided Orengo would go for Senate while former Bondo MP Oburu Oginga would be the preferred governor candidate.
"Together with Oduol, we were left with mouths agape by the level of betrayal by our leaders," added Ochanda.
He said they both sneaked out of the venue before parting ways.
Oduol lost the election while Ochanda won the Bondo MP slot.
Ochanda told off Orengo and several leaders present including the party director of elections Oduor Ongwen saying he would not be cheated again.
"I will not advocate for regional and equitable power sharing deal again with our ODM party leaders,"added Ochanda.
However, Orengo when called to pay his tributes, did not deny Ochanda's allegations, but was quick to say that the MP was a beneficiary of the scam.
Orengo asked Ochanda that next time when he tries to portray himself a true democrat in the public by washing dirty linens of others, he should be prepared to tell them that he benefited from the flawed exercise.
"Ochanda should stop giving half-baked narratives, tell us how you also secured the Bondo seat," added Orengo, to the amusement of mourners.
Orengo announced that in the forthcoming elections, potential candidates should be allowed to vie for any position irrespective of regional affiliation.
The function was attended by MPs Sam Atandi (Alego/Usonga), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Christine Ombaka (Siaya).
Others were politicians Odunga Mamba and Charles Auko, who have vied for Alego/Usonga MP seat and lost, blaming ODM for nomination flaws.