Some ODM elected leaders, aspirants and officials have shunned joint rallies and meetings with other Azimio la Umoja sister parties, creating tension.
“Kenyatta had a handshake with us through Raila because we had numbers as a party and we had loyal members who could rally behind a move in Parliament, we should ensure that stands,” Suba South MP Mbadi said.
He said they will not tolerate leaders who have been creating dissent against Raila and ODM in the area.
The party national chairman singled out immediate former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno who will vie for the governor seat through the Jubilee ticket.
He said he was behind several attempts to derail Raila and ODM in Nyanza.
“If Migori voters make a mistake of electing him on the Jubilee ticket, then I will come back here and walk naked,” he said.
Mbadi spoke on Friday during the official launch of Rongo MP Paul Abuor's second term bid at Rongo Primary School grounds.
His sentiments were echoed by Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko and Senator aspirant Willis Misare.
“The power of Raila’s presidency will be on several ODM elected leaders, we may be one under Azimio but in our backyard, we are firmly in ODM and we will ensure that in August polls,” he said.
Misare said recent remarks by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka that he may impeach Raila if he refuses to honour a pact with him have sent shockwaves in ODM.
Some elders and aspirants led by woman representative hopeful on Jubilee ticket Lillian Akugo said the remarks are unfortunate.
“We have to portray a face of unity and inclusivity to other regions since Raila has sought the presidency for long, we need others to see this,” Akugo said.
She said other aspirants under Azimio will ensure politics does not end at the nomination level which will increase democratic space and voter turnout for the presidential vote.
Washington Akumba, an elder said ODM leaders should desist from issuing reckless statements against other Azimio la Umoja aspirants which may affect Raila's chances nationally.
Dansam Ouma, a Political Science graduate from the University of Nairobi said the fear among most winners of coveted ODM ticket from nominations will face fresh challenges and use of Raila image by others.
“Any other candidate on Azimio ticket can use Raila’s image and water down claims by ODM candidates they are out helping Raila, politics will be based on agenda,” Ouma said.
He said in Migori, serious challengers have opted out of ODM for Azimio la Umoja parties which have created a political headache for the party.
He said former legislators Dalmas, former Migori MP John Pesa under DAP-K are in the governor race while Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga will defend his seat under Azimio la Umoja.
On March 17, Joseph Towett, the Kanu director of communication denied zoning claims.
“This information is false, misleading and malicious. It intends to foment apathy and confusion among aspirants who seek to vie on Kanu's ticket,” Towett said.
He said Kanu will field candidates in all elective positions, except the presidency.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
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