Visit to Ruto home lands Ojaamong in trouble : The Standard

Governor Sospeter Ojaamong's visit to Deputy President William Ruto’s home in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu, on Wednesday has angered local leaders. Local Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials are not happy with Ojaamong after he led a delegation from the county to the DP’s home. The meeting was attended by leaders from Bungoma County, led by Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka.  Teso South MP Geoffrey Omuse (ODM) was also part of the delegation. Orange party chairman Patrick Obongoya (Nominated MCA) said the visit was inconsequential and did not guarantee Ruto local support.

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According to Obongoya, the county and by extension Western, remains solidly behind Orange party leader Raila Odinga - under the guidance of Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua. “As the county party officials, we categorically denounce the misguided visit by Ojaamong and his allies to the DP's home, this is a clique of selfish MPs and MCAs whose political future hangs in the balance," said Mr Obogonya. He said those who attended had committed political suicide; by betraying the people they represent and the party that sponsored them to Parliament and county assembly.

Close confidant

Obongoya said those who want to quit ODM should do so with immediate effect. “Busia County is still firmly in ODM, previous members who had earlier defected to other parties are welcome," said Obongoya.

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Ms Mutua, who is also the Deputy Secretary General of the ODM, has remained a close confidant of Odinga in Busia. Peter Odima, who had filed a petition against Ojaamong's election, said the governor could have gone to Ruto's home to seek help following graft cases the governor is facing.  "He was there to seek for his own favours but not for the people of Busia," said Odima. During the visit, Ojaamong told Ruto to brace for a tough journey ahead because he would be insulted and would have to navigate several hurdles. “Even for the war you have started, do not think people will have mercy on you, they will hurl stones and bad words on you but use those bad words to establish yourself politically,” said Ojaamong.

Made inroads

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Political pundits opine that Ojaamong, who found it rough to defend his seat on ODM, has nothing to lose as he will not vie for governorship position in the next polls. DP has been keen on Busia and wooing Ojaamong to be his point-man in the region. Prior to 2017, Jubilee relied on former MPs Mary Emaase and Arthur Odera to make inroads in Busia but they failed to retain their parliamentary positions.

Related Topics

Patrick ObongoyaUasin GishuODMDeputy President William RutoGovernor Sospeter Ojaamong