Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has intervened to calm the growing tensions and divisions within the party in Migori County.
During his visit to the county for the installation ceremony of the Seme Council of Elders chairman in Kwa Ward, Suna West, accompanied by several ODM leaders, Raila expressed concern that internal conflicts are weakening the party and could jeopardize its future.
He specifically addressed the recent violence in Migori County, attributing it to early campaigning and political vendettas among politicians.
Raila emphasized the importance of the party’s numerical strength in achieving its objectives both in the National Assembly and the Senate.
The ODM party leader’s visit coincides strategically with the upcoming elections for a new speaker of the Migori County Assembly following the impeachment of Charles Owino Likowa.
His sentiments were supported by Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko, who urged members of the county assembly to remain committed to strengthening the party at the grassroots level.
In the past few weeks, Migori county assembly members favoured one of their own, who was elected as an independent candidate in the last elections to serve as an acting Speaker, causing panic among ODM officials in the county.
Meanwhile, a section of Orange Democratic Movement members of parliament have vowed to oppose the proposed finance bill 2024, which they say is repressive and will hurt Kenyans.
Speaking in Migori County, Chair, Public Accounts Committee John Mbadi said once the bill is tabled in parliament he will mobilize ODM MPs to shoot it down.
Embakasi East constituency MP Babu Owino threw his weight behind the move.