Young Politicians in Orange Democratic Party (ODM) are complaining on why they were not given leadership in the movement despite their full support in the just concluded elections. The young leaders include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina.
The young leaders claimed that they sacrificed a lot and did their best in supporting Raila Odinga, something the party should have considered in appointing leader in the senate and parliament. There are also dispute over ODM committee slots will be shared among the young and old.
Ole Kina said that the party has moved its focus to Nyanza and Western, forgetting his contribution into the party. Ole Kina was a die-hard supporter of Raila Odinga in the 9th of August general elections. According to the Narok Senator, it is time he gets recognized by the party.
He said: “Everyone knows what I have done for ODM and it is about time I am recognized for my sacrifices. I nearly died fighting for Raila. If that is not worth anything then let me be told.Enough of always being kept in arms away while others chill in their cribs and are rewarded with the lion’s share of party positions.”
On the other hand, Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, also said the same thing about youth sacrificing for the party. Owino added the sacrifice was not only displayed during the past general elections but also over the years.
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Babu Owino claimed that the party had promised him the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman. However, his position was taken by John Mbadi, the party chairman. The Embakasi East MP claimed that he will fight for the position until his last breath.
He said: “Why should Mr Mbadi come down from the position of Majority Leader to PAC chair which was reserved for me? This will not happen! Over my dead body. Young people must get their space. It is now or never. He has been rewarded through nomination.”
ODM party chairman John Mbadi claimed that the so-called youth benefited most from directs tickets. Mbadi also dismissed the claims, saying the leaders were elected by the party members and not selected.
He said: “People should be procedural and responsible in the claims they make. You cannot claim that a member has been allocated committee chairman when you know that those positions are elective. Members of each committee will elect their chair.”
He also cited that those making the loudest noise over certain positions don’t even have the capacity to run them. According to Mbadi, he had the capacity to run prime positions but not one approached him for appointment.
On the other hand, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, backed the party chairperson Mbadi’s claims of the young members getting direct tickets. Kajwang’ cited that demands of more positions from the future party generation showed their level of selfishness.
“The ones crying the loudest are actually the major beneficiaries of the ODM wave and direct ticket that made them join Parliament. Some of them are basically selfish because I don’t think getting House leadership is of any benefit to the constituents. The so-called Young Turks are in Parliament because some of them were given direct tickets,” said Mr Kajwang’.
Meanwhile, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalitions released house leaders in the National Assembly and the Senate as outlined below:
The National Assembly
Unguja MP Mr Wandayi (ODM) was selected as the majority leader in the National Assembly and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui (Wiper) as his deputy.
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed (ODM) was nominated as the Chief whip in the National Assembly and nominated MP Sabina Chege (Jubilee) as his deputy
The senate
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo (ODM) was selected as the Minority leader while Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua (Wiper) as his deputy.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dhulo (Jubilee) was nominated as Senate Minority whip and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (ODM) as his deputy.
In recent reports, Babu Owino threatens to resign from the party (ODM). The party chair said resigning is not something one should announce, its done immediately.
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