Orengo: There are plans to kill multiparty democracy in Kenya
Siaya Governor James Orengo has sensationally claimed that there are plans by people he didn’t name to kill multiparty democracy in Kenya.
Orengo made the claims while addressing mourners at the ongoing burial ceremony of former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha at Odera Akang’o University.
“There are plans to end multiparty in Kenya. Anyway… that is a topic of another day,” Orengo said without further elaboration.
Mr Orengo’s remarks come at a time ODM party is facing internal strife following the recent visit to State House by handful of MPs elected on the party ticket, apparently without the blessing of party leader Raila Odinga.
The move by the lawmakers has exposed sharp divisions in the party, with plans now afoot to have the so-called “rebels” expelled from the political outfit.
Also read: How Raila’s dramatic arrival brought Magoha’s burial ceremony to a standstill
Mr Odinga has since described the lawmakers who met President William Ruto on Tuesday at State House as “traitors”.
The MPs who met President Ruto are Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda. Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabir who was elected as an Independent also made the State House trip.
In the aftermath of the State House visit, the said rebels have been under immense pressure from party insiders to explain the agenda of the visit.
Lang’ata MP Jalang’o has since said the meeting was all about development agenda for his constituents which he hopes to achieve by working closely President Ruto’s government
Also read: Barbara Magoha recounts last moments with her late husband
“Soon and very soon, the electorates will be smart enough or are already smart enough and they already know that there is politics and there is development,” Mr Jalang’o said.
Mr Odinga, meanwhile, said the MPs did not require to visit the State House to solicit support for development, noting that Parliament allocates funds for various activities and projects including the devolved unit’s funds.
And as the fallout within ODM continued to unfold, on Thursday Jalang’o was denied access to the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition retreat in Maanzoni, Machakos County.
The MP later expressed his disappointment over the incident but reiterated that he has no regret in meeting with President Ruto.
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