You are not Luhya spokesman, Oparanya tells Ababu

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has hit out at Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba over misrepresentation of the wishes of the Luhya community.

Speaking in Vihiga ODM delegates meeting on Monday, Oparanya, who is also the deputy party leader, said that calls by Ababu for the formation of a third force are divisive and would scatter the region’s votes.

“Ababu’s utterances against Raila and claims that he has not helped the region are fabricated. Raila initiated a lot of development projects in Western when he was Prime Minister and also appointed a lot of people from this region into positions in government. What more does Namwamba want him to do?” he questioned.

The Budalang’i MP has been on the receiving end since resigning as Secretary General over a week ago with a section of ODM legislators saying he was bribed to leave.

He has, however, refuted the claims saying he intends to form a third force that would unite Western region and ensure they compete for the top job.

Meanwhile, Oparanya also called on the Luhya community to unite behind Raila Odinga in 2017 in order to ensure he wins the presidential elections.

“While Jubilee is calling on its affiliate power to dissolve and join one party that will ensure a win for Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017, we are busy forming many parties like Ford Kenya, New Ford Kenya, Amani National Congress,” he noted.

“These parties should know that ODM is not the enemy; Jubilee is and we should all come together to ensure we win in the next elections.”

Oparanya further noted that he is in talks with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi to convince him to support Odinga in 2017.

He stated that having failed in his 2013 bid, Mudavadi should return to ODM and support Odinga.

ODM chair John Mbadi also defended CORD leader Raila Odinga’s record in Western saying Namwamba’s remarks are baseless.

In their speeches, acting Secretary General Agnes Zani and nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro called on ODM leaders who have since left the party saying the door is still open.

Odinga, who is on a week-long tour of Western, will make several other visits in Vihiga on Tuesday. He will then camp in Busia County on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Kakamega County on Friday.