Obado bows to Raila

Former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga has promised to bring down political tensions being witnessed in Migori County. The tensions had been brought by ODM’s decision to impeach Governor Okoth Obado who’s facing graft and murder charges.

Raila Odinga had steered clear of the debate which has polarized his supporters in Migori. With impending BBI campaigns, Raila Odinga said he’s considering uniting the two political foes: Obado and Ayacko.

“Our main focus currently is the BBI that seeks to improve service delivery to Kenyans. We must avoid political sideshows that risk thwarting our agenda especially in Migori,” Odinga said. The ODM leader was speaking during the burial of Awendo MP’s father.

“I will have to bring the county leadership together so that we move as one formidable force,” he added.

On his side, Obado denied flirting with Ruto and said those were rumours by his enemies. He alluded that people were spreading fake stories about him to create a rift between him and the party leader.

“Baba, what has been peddled to you against me is utter falsehood and rumours meant to create a rift. My support for the BBI and your presidential bid has been unwavering. We are all seeking to go to Canaan,” he said.

Senator Ayacko did not show any love to Obado, instead chose the moment to cry about the woes affecting Sony Sugar. He said that farmers have been affected deeply because of the pandemic. The company is also facing severe economic challenges because of covid-19 pandemic.

With Obado and Raila in seemingly good terms, ODM Chairman Mbadi who had been pushing for Obado ouster changed tune. The hustler nation being the obvious punching bag for most politicians, Mbadi used the airtime to attack it.

“A serious politician seeking the country’s top leadership cannot seek votes from the electorates by distributing wheelbarrows. He is engaging the youth in tokenism, which is a recipe for chaos, while peddling the ‘hustler’ narrative,” said Mbadi.

Earlier there had been scuffles as Obado’s security detail were denied permission to access the podium. The change of tune from Obado and Raila is a tactical political plan for both. With the open fighting between MCAs Raila felt that Ruto was gaining inroads in Migori County. This was also mentioned by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.

“There are some people who have openly shown defiance to the party leadership by allowing our opponents to set a base in the county. Those are traitors who will never be confined. We will squeeze them out of their houses and expose them to the public,” he said.

Reconciliation with Raila gives Obado peace of mind as he battles multiple court cases. His support for BBI is a timely boost for ODM who would not want division in one of their strongholds.

Babu Owino said those who were not supporting Raila Odinga were being selfish. “Raila has forfeited his quest for consecutive terms for the sake of the country’s unity. Anyone opposed to his presidential bid is selfish,” he said.