- MP Odhiambo was elected on an ODM ticket and has lately been supporting initiatives of President William Ruto-led administration.
- Kalonzo asserted that Odhiambo should not be misled into thinking that he could lead by going against the ODM and its leader Raila Odinga.
Image: James Orengo/Facebook.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday asked Gem constituency MP Elisha Odhiambo to apologize to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party over his association with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
MP Odhiambo was elected on an ODM ticket and has lately been supporting initiatives of President William Ruto-led administration.
Kalonzo asserted that Odhiambo should not be misled into thinking that he could lead by going against the ODM and its leader Raila Odinga.
"I am not well conversant with who your MP is but let him know that he is completely lost to imagine that he can lead here without Baba (Raila). He should ask for forgiveness for going astray," Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo said that the ODM is a leading party in the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya Alliance thus anyone out to derail it must not be condoned.
"I am of Wiper party but we are Azimio and to derail ODM is to interfere with Wiper, Jubilee, DAP-K and many other parties in the coalition," he said.
Kalonzo was speaking during a fundraising event in Gem Wagai for the Educational and Empowerment CBO where he was the chief guest.
The fundraiser had been organized under the patronage of Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga who has since declared his interest in snatching the seat from Odhiambo come the next election.
The former vice president hailed Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi for his steadfastness in ODM, a matter that Kalonzo said, saw the second-term MP break the jinx of one term in office for former parliamentarians from Alego Usonga.
"Thank you (Atandi) and congratulations for standing with Agwambo (Raila) and being the first Alego Usonga MP to be elected twice in a row," he said.
Siaya County governor James Orengo, who had flanked Kalonzo at the event, on his part adopted a more combative approach in his remarks towards MP Odhiambo.
"There are some people, especially here in Gem, who do not know my true colours," Orengo said.
"They do not know why people call me 'kidi' (a stone) and they do not know why I am called 'Nyawawa' (spirits of the dead)."
Orengo predicted that Odhiambo would soon face the wrath of the electorate on the ballot.
Two months ago, MP Odhiambo hosted UDA party boss and President William Ruto for a thanksgiving ceremony at his home in Mutumbu.
Orengo's sentiments came barely 24 hours after he censured Odhiambo at a funeral in Akala (Gem).
"I am saying without any fear that anyone who is opposing ODM cannot speak in my presence!" ranted Orengo.
While at the Wagai event, Orengo referred alleged UDA allies to the Akala incident, saying that henceforth it will not be business unusual.
"Those who want to bring UDA to Gem should inquire about what happened at Akala yesterday (Friday)," Orengo said.
National Assembly Minority Leader and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi endorsed the aspirations of Abala Wanga, saying that he has a great vision for the constituency.
"We want people with a vision. Allow me to call you honourable. Hon Abala Wanga, if you have a vision for the children of Gem then we must support you to ensure that the vision is realized," Wandayi said.
Wandayi asserted that anyone disloyal to ODM boss Raila Odinga must get behind them.
Ida Odinga, who was deputy chief guest at the funds drive, said that Gem has so many good leaders.
Also present at the funds' drive were politician Maina Njenga, MPs Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), Robert Mbui (Kathiani), Irvine Kasalu (Kitui), Stephen Mule (Matungulu), County Assembly Speakers George Okode (Siaya) and Douglas Mwilu (Makueni).
Others were Central Gem MCA Sylus Madingu, Seth Baraka (East Gem Ward), Susan Okwiry (West Gem Ward) and William Kinyanyi (Yala Township Ward).