Orange Democratic Party Leader Raila Odinga is set to meet Kisi leaders led by Governor James Ongwae, Senator Chris Obure and nominated Senator Janet Ongera as a fallout looms among three of his most trusted lieutenants, a senior official has revealed.
Obure who chairs the party at the county level is believed to be warming to join Ford People and run against Governor Ongwae in 2017 while Ong’era, a former ODM Executive Director is believed to be in talks with DP William Ruto as a possible shift to Jubilee looms.
The official who spoke on condition of anonymity since he is not authorised to speak on behalf of the party, he said Mr Odinga will meet the leaders on Friday after his rally in Nyamira County.
“Our Party leader will be holding a crisis meeting that will feature Senator Obure, Governor Ongwae and Ms Ong’era. The meeting will focus on the possible way forward to combat conflicting political interests since they are planning to run against each other,” said the source.
“This will wrap up what Namwamba (Ababu) started few weeks ago. We have information that Obure and Ong’era wants to decamp to rival camps and the former premier will mediate because it will be a blow to his presidential bid if the fallout takes place,” added the source.
While the source didn’t disclose the exact location of the meeting, he hinted at the presence of Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, party SG General Ababu Namwamba and Treasurer Timothy Bosire in the talks.
“Jakom (Raila) will be mediating alongside Namwamba, Junet and Bosire and the meeting will take place after a political rally in Nyamira County on Friday,” said the source.
Ms Ong’era is also reportedly warming up to run against incumbent Women Representative Mary Otara, another loyal ODM member.