Oparanya downplays talk offallout in ODM

Oparanya downplays talk offallout in ODM

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya played host to Siaya Senator James Orengo and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo at his Butere home, in Kakamega county on Sunday.

Orengo and Amolo have been accused of attempting to slow puncture the BBI process and going against the wishes of their party and party leader Raila Odinga, a key player in the constitutional amendment push.

The Kakamega Governor who spoke to Citizen TV, after the closed door session dispelled disquiet within the orange party and defended Orengo and Amolo, who have been targets of the axe for their perceived lukewarm support for BBI, and agitation for a review on the proposed 70 constituencies distribution matrix.

Amolo voted in favour of the Constitution Amendment Bill on Thursday, but by then, had lost his vice chairman slot in the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.

His position was taken by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang, ostensibly as a deterrent measure to other would-be BBI opponents in ODM

Plans to de-whip Orengo from the Senate Minority Leader’s job were also shelved, after behind the scene intrigues.

While Orengo and Otiende reportedly visited Governor Oparanya to condole with him after the loss of a relative, some politics was discussed with the governor stating that ODM is united in passing the BBI Bill and the contentious issue of the creation of the 70 new constituencies could be dealt with at a later date.

Internal jostling for the coveted nomination ticked in ODM strongholds could also be at play with Raila caught in the cross fire between allies who are competing for the same seats.

The Siaya senator is embroiled in a vicious turf war with the Ugunja legislator angling for the Siaya governorship—both close allies and confidants of Odinga, they have resolved in a loyalty campaign on who is loyal to the party and the party leader.

This to set up each other against their supporters for the governorship race

All focus turns to the Senate next week when speaker Ken Lusaka is expected to give a ruling on whether senators can amend the Constitution of Kenya (amendment) Bill, 2020.

At least three senators have filed their amendments to the bill

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BBI Oparanya

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