Eight governors from the opposition leader Raila Odinga controlled Lake Region Economic Bloc have denounced political support for the president William Ruto and instead affirmed loyalty to the Azimio One Kenya Coalition boss.
The move is aimed at countering president Ruto’s inroads into Raila backyard days after the opposition leader accused the president of “dangling” development projects meant for county government in the region to woe his supporters.
In a post shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Raila said he had “a highly productive meeting… evaluating the remarkable progress in devolution over the past decade.” He noted.
Among the governors’ present were Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Simba Arati (Kisii), James Orengo (Siaya), Fernades Barasa (Kakamega), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), as well as former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
“More needs to be done to ensure the future of devolution is firmly secured.” Raila added.
The Lake Region Economic Bloc is one of the six economic Blocs adopted in Kenya and comprises 14 counties around Lake Victoria and its environs: Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia and Vihiga.
Raila’s meeting came days after his ODM party expelled five perceived rebel members.
The five; MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix ‘Jalang’o’ Odiwuor (Lang’ata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda were shown the door last Wednesday.
They were accused of violating the ODM party’s constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political outfit, as well as opposing lawful decisions made by party organs.
During a meeting with Migori County ODM delegates on Friday, Odinga said the party can only be strong when its members are united and disciplined.
The Azimio leader rebuked the five for what he termed as betraying the party, further daring them to resign from their elective seats and seek fresh mandates from the people on new party tickets.
Omondi has since threatened to challenge the expulsion in court, saying on Sunday he was exercising the will of his electorate by meeting the President in order to lobby for development.
