Ford Kenya will have to wait longer for the share of the Political Parties Fund after factional wars scuttled ODM's offer to pay.
Ford Kenya is split in the middle, with Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula leading one faction while the other wing is led by MPs Wafula Wamunyinyi (Kanduyi) and Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren).
The leadership tussle, which is now subject to a court decision, will see ODM withhold the Sh36 million Ford Kenya share until the court decides who the genuine party leaders are.
ODM gave Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Sh70.4 million, Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC Sh43.8 and Isaac Ruto’s CCM Sh3 million from the monies the opposition party receives courtesy of the parliamentary votes.
ODM’s decision followed a letter by Eseli telling the Raila Odinga-led party not to transact with the Wetang’ula faction.
In a July 28 letter seen by the Star, the Tongaren MP demanded that the money is withheld until the court resolves the matter.
“I have received with pleasure your decision to share the political party’s funds with Ford Kenya among other members of the Nasa coalition. It is indeed an indication of your party’s consideration of the welfare of your partner parties,” Eseli said in the letter copied to Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu.
“However, I wish to bring to your attention that Ford Kenya has had a long drawn out dispute about the leadership, a matter that has dragged on in court for over a year now. By this letter I wish to instruct that the money due to Ford Kenya be withheld until when the courts resolve the matter.”
Yesterday, ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna confirmed receipt of the letter, adding that the Orange party will withhold the cash awaiting the court’s verdict.
He said ODM deliberated and resolved not to disburse a penny to either of the factions.
“We will not release any money to Ford Kenya until the matter in court is released,” Sifuna said on phone.
In May last year, the party’s National Executive Council resolved to remove Wetang'ula as party leader and replaced him with Wamunyinyi on an interim basis.
The party’s NEC accused Wetang'ula of gross misconduct and failing to champion unity in the party.
Other charges levelled against Wetang’ula included failing to reconcile warring members to eliminate friction in the party.
The former Minority Leader in the Senate was also accused of failing to provide inspiring leadership for the party.
Wetang'ula moved to court and obtained orders stopping his removal, pending hearing and determination of the matter.
Edited by Henry Makori
