Officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Kakamega county branch have in a turn of events rejected embattled area Senator Cleopa Malala.
This comes only days after Malala, a Amani National Congress (ANC) member, was suspended, after which ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna welcomed him into ODM.
However, the officials have now contradicted the party on its readiness to accept him, taking issue with Sifuna's claims that the party would be ready to issue Malala a direct ticket.
According to Kakamega ODM chairman Mark Wanjala and Deputy County Assembly Speaker Leonard Kasaya, there is need for Sifuna to keep off ODM affairs at the county.
Speaking on Saturday, they stated that Malala is not a party member, adding that his inclusion might interfere with Deputy Governor Philip Kutima's chances of being the next governor.
"We would like to ask our Party Leader Raila Odinga and his deputy Wycliffe Oparanya to stop Sifuna from claiming that he will be dishing out party certificates to his friends who are not even members of the party,” said Kasaya.
Malala has been suspended after he was spotted campaigning for ODM candidate in the Kibra race Imran Okoth, in a contest ANC had fronted Eliud Owalo.
However, he has defended himself, saying that both parties being members of the National Super Alliance (NASA), he was at liberty to support whomever he wishes.
"It is my party leader Mudavadi who asked us to support Raila. He became Raila’s chief campaigner in the last General Election, so what sin have I committed to stand with Imran?” he posed in a radio interview on Saturday.
However, the county leadership is of the opinion that embracing Malala, having declared interest in the gubernatorial seat after Oparanya, should be left on his own.