Uriri legislator Mark Nyamita has traded barbs with his main rival in the forthcoming ODM primaries, businessman Jared Kwaga, over corruption.
The two leaders also clashed over allegiance to Migori Governor Okoth Obado.
Obado, who also hails from the constituency, played an instrumental part in ensuring Nyamita was elected over former MP John Kobado in the last polls.
“He (Kwaga) is not my political size. I will deal with him at the ballot as he is a lightweight. How can a man who cannot even express himself in English, which is used in Parliament, represent Uriri?” Nyamita said.
The legislator spoke at St Francis Omboo Secondary on Sunday during the launch of the school bus.
In the run-up to the last polls, Obado was facing rebellion from Kobado and Nyamita who was also vying for governor. He then supported Nyamita for Uriri MP to ease his bid.
“I have no issues with the governor, we have worked smoothly and I can stand on my development projects. He should also stand on his including aspirants who he has planted,” Nyamita said, hinting that Kwaga’s candidature has the blessing of Obado.
Both Obado, Kwaga and their immediate family members are currently facing corruption charges over billions of shillings in the Migori government.
Among conditions for issuing of bail and bond terms for the accused persons in court, the suspects were instructed to deposit their passports in court. Nyamita has been using this in his campaign trail.
“His (Kwaga’s) passport has been detained in court and he can’t even go to Uganda. How will he leave the country for parliamentary duties?” he said.
However Kwaga said the statements by Nyamita are unfortunate as he is yet to be found guilty of the charges.
"So, I’m presumed innocent. On issues of passport and I won’t talk much because the matter is before court and can’t be discussed in public,” he said.
Kwaga spoke on Tuesday morning in his house in Uriri.
“I have a degree in computer science and a masters in ICT policy. In my life I have been a businessman for 18 years. His allegations on my eloquence in English is cheap propaganda,” he said.
Kwaga said it is unfortunate for Nyamita to drag Obado in this politics, but “the governor is also a voter and I will seek his vote.”
“He is used to be propped up like we did with Obado last polls. Now that he is on his own, he has been dragging people along because he knows the ground is slippery for him,” he said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
