Governor Mvurya’s defection to Jubilee inconsequential – ODM

The Orange Democratic Movement has downplayed the significance of Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya’s defection to Jubilee with the party’s acting Secretary General terming the move as inconsequential.

In a statement to media houses on Monday, Zani said that ODM’s support in Kwale is people-oriented and would therefore not be waned by the departure of Mvurya and his deputy Fatuma Achani.

“ODM party has learnt through the press statements from Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and his deputy indicating that the two have defected to Jubilee. We wish the governor well. The ODM Party, however, has not received official communication from Hon Mvuyra as is expected of members,” she stated.

She accused Mvurya of failing to meet the needs of the people of Kwale during his governorship period, a situation that has allegedly left his constituents impoverished.

“ODM’s support in Kwale County is based on a set of people-centered social and economic issues that the people of Kwale gave to an ODM governor to address,” she stated.

“Governor Mvurya leaves while these issues have not been completely resolved. Kwale County continues to suffer massive dispossession and impoverishment, the cornerstone issues that ODM leaderships was to address.”

The nominated senator further exuded confidence that the Orange Party would still defeat Jubilee in Kwale in the 2017 elections and register it’s strength in the region.

“Kwale people remain steadfast in ODM and are as committed to the ideals of the party as they have always been. This will be clearer at the ballot next year.”

Mvurya announced Saturday that he would support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reelection bid owing to his apparent development projects initiated in Kwale.

The governor’s pronouncement comes just two weeks after ODM leader Raila Odinga threw his weight behind Mvurya during his tour of Kwale County.

Political temperatures have been high in Kwale with internal wrangles between two factions wreaking havoc in the party’s position in the county.

During Raila’s visit, supremacy battles between a faction led by Governor Mvurya and another led by Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori played out with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s influence on the matter also visible.

Joho has accused Mvurya of not supporting ODM candidate Willy Mtengo in Malindi by-election in March and unwillingness to support the party’s cause.

@benjaminwafula