Stop salivating for guv’s seat, leaders told

A section of Orange Democratic Movement leaders in Kisii county have refuted claims that there is a rift between Governor James Ongwae and other party leaders in the region.
Senators Chris Obure and Janet Ongera, deputy governor Joash Maangi and county woman MP Mary Otara termed talk of a rift as a fabrication and the highest form of imagination that can only happen in a theatre.
Obure who is also the ODM chairman of Kisii branch dismissed reports that alleged that Ongwae does not work with him together with his deputy Joash Maangi and women representative Otara and that he has forged a new political realignment ahead of 2017.
They dismissed the claims as unfortunate and unfounded and accused those behind the desperate propaganda of trying their best to cause divisions in a peaceful county.
Obure was exasperated with the allegations that he humiliated Ongwae during a church function in Maangi’s backyard and warned against being involved in divisive diversionary politics.
People close to the governor said that he had indicated that he was travelling to Nairobi but was patient enough to officiate the fundraising before joining other leaders for lunch at Maangi’s home.
On his part, Ongwae dismissed the report as cheap propaganda meant to destabilise the party and was confident that the propaganda will not succeed.
Last week, Obure and Ongwae met all MPs from the county and discussed the way forward after the Kenya National Examination Council cancelled Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education results of more than 700 candidates from the region. During the meeting, it was also agreed that they all continue working together to serve Omogusii.
A resident, Duke Omare, accused Maangi of sabotaging Ongwae’s leadership and dismissed his political ambitions as immature saying he cannot bag the gubernatorial seat.
“We have trust in our governor. For the last two years all have seen what he has managed to put in place in terms of development. Let us give him time to deliver. Instead of fighting him, Maangi should concentrate on supplementing what the county boss is doing so that he can be part of his legacy. On what premise does Maangi want to lay stake in his boss’ seat?” he asked.
Omare described the deputy governor as a confused leader who is not sure of his political destiny. “Maangi had earlier indicated that he will be Charles Nyachae’s running mate. What changed all of a sudden?” he posed.
“Residents are aware that some individuals are having sleepless nights salivating for the county seats. Let them know that there are no vacant seats at the moment.The current leaders need to be respected as they deliver on the promises they made to Omogusii,” said Omare.