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Citizen Weekly

Tuesday 21 April 2015

RAILA ODINGA ACCUSED OF FAILING TO DEFEND FORMER PAC CHAIR ABABU NAMWAMBA



RAILA ODINGA ACCUSED OF FAILING TO DEFEND FORMER PAC CHAIR ABABU NAMWAMBA
Kakamega, Kenya: Leaders from Western region have backed former Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Ababu Namwamba, claiming problems that led to his removal from the influential committee were as a result of witch-hunt. Speaking in a Kakamega hotel yesterday, the 48 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) drawn from various parties criticised the manner in which the Budalang'i lawmaker was removed from PAC despite his "excellent leadership". The MCAs also criticised Orange Democratic Party (ODM) for not supporting Mr Namwamba, claiming that some of the MPs fighting him were from the party. "Western leaders express their solidarity with Namwamba and are tired of being used. We are only appreciated by parties when looking for votes but after that, we are forgotten," said Cleophas Malala, Mahiakalo ward rep. He added: "What has happened to Namwamba is similar to what happened to Musalia Mudavadi while in ODM. We are keenly watching ODM and warning party Chairman John Mbadi, who we blame for Namwamba's woes." ALTERNATIVE PARTY See also: MPs’ caucus gives Namwamba new vehicle to pursue political ambitions But when reached for comment, Mbadi denied claims he was behind Namwamba's predicaments. "There are no differences between Namwamba and me. I stepped down for him to be chair of PAC in 2013 and even proposed his name. Those saying I am fighting him are over stretching their imagination," he said. Kibyengo Kitur, Kabomboi ward rep in Trans Nzoia County observed that in the recent past, leaders from the region serving in government are being fought. The MCAs demanded response from party leader Raila Odinga over the manner in which Namwamba was treated by ODM, failure to which they will advise the ODM secretary general and other ODM leaders from the region to find an alternative party.


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