{UAH} Raila Succession Talk threatens to split Nyanza

By MOSES ODHIAMBO
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The ongoing differences between south Nyanza and Central Nyanza leaders are threatening to tear the usually united political region down the middle.

The several failed attempts at the presidency, once by Opposition doyen Jaramogi Oginga and thrice by Cord leader Raila Odinga, have ignited debate over whether it still makes sense to keep with old ways.

Also, the slow rate of economic development has been attributed to dependence on Central Nyanza politicians to deliver the national cake.

Now, politicians from South Nyanza are calling for a change of tack. The south Nyanza brigade is standing behind Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno  an ally-turned-foe of Mr Odinga who is facing turf wars in his back yard. Mr Otieno has even gone ahead to form a political party called Kalausi to offer "alternative leadership".

The height of the conflict was witnessed recently when Migori Governor Okoth Obado grabbed the microphone from Siaya Senator James Orengo when Mr Orengo said ODM was not sure whether Migori was in their fold or in that of Jubilee.

TYRANNY OF NUMBERS

Mr Obado was elected on a People's Democratic Party ticket after losing in ODM nominations, and has established himself as one of the few Nyanza politicians willing to work with Jubilee. Mr Kidero has gone against the party to back Mr Obado's candidacy in case a by-election is called.

In another turn of events, allies of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero attempted to oust Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' as ODM branch chairman. They said Mr Kajwang' was incompetent and was standing in the way of development in the region. Mr Kajwang has also been accused of failing to issue IDs to Cord strongholds especially Nyanza when he was Immigration minister, paving way for the "tyranny of numbers' that saw Cord lose the presidential election to Jubilee Alliance.

Mr Were Ongondo, who lost in the race for Kasipul Kabondo MP in 2013, had said that Dr Kidero was best placed to inherit Mr Odinga's mantle when the party boss retires. This was at the height of the cold war between the Nairobi governor and close supporters of the Cord leader.

Inasmuch as the leadership change was dismissed by party branch officials and Orange House, the move highlighted the dwindling popularity of Mr Odinga's allies in Nyanza.

But a number of leaders from western Kenya have reacted sharply to what they see as thinly veiled attempts to replace Mr Odinga as the Nyanza kingpin.

MPs Olago Aluoch (Kisumu West), James Wandayi (Ugunja) and Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem) are on record voicing concerns that there is a risk of not only splitting ODM but also dividing the solid Nyanza vote.

However, Mr Olago (Ford Kenya) has said Mr Kidero is acting within his rights as a Kenyan and should not be castigated for whichever side of Cord he supports.

"No one should feel threatened as Mr Kidero has not declared interest in national politics. Even if he does, let him endear himself to Kenyans in the best way he knows," said Mr Olago.

Mr Ben Ombima, a member of the Vihiga county assembly, said Mr Kidero can emerge as a game changer in the politics of not only Nyanza but also the entire western Kenya.

However, Mr Wandayi and Mr Midiwo warned that it is still too early for "Nyanza politics".

DE FACTO NLEADER

Mr Wandayi said loyalty to ODM is not negotiable and stressed that Mr Odinga was still the de facto leader of Nyanza, and whose replacement would need his endorsement to succeed.

"People like Kidero and Dalmas must know that political parties are critical institutions of democracy that espouse specific ideologies that members must subscribe to," said Mr Wandayi.

However, Mr Midiwo advised those moving the succession agenda on the basis of development should give options for members to explore. "We are a mature party where in-house resolutions, not quit threats, can work."

Mr Tom Mboya, a political scientist, said it was time for Nyanza to change the perception that ODM is a Luo Nyanza affair. "Talk about who is who in Nyanza politics will make ODM suffer a backlash," he predicted.