Cord leader Raila Odinga has broken his silence over ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba’s claims that he is being frustrated in the party.
Speaking on Monday in Busia during a rally held in support of County Women Rep Florence Mutua, who was detained alongside seven other legislators over hate speech, Raila said Ababu’s claims will be addressed during the National Executive Council sitting that will be held on Wednesday.
Raila said the concerns raised by the Budalangi MP were valid, adding that the party does not tolerate dictatorship.
“There may be people within ODM who feel aggrieved by one or two issues, and it is within their rights to express them. The issues raised by Ababu are valid and will be discussed during our council meeting on Wednesday, but as it stands he is still the party’s secretary general," said Raila.
Raila further encouraged leaders in the party to air their grievances freely, saying the party upholds democracy.
Ababu together with eight other MPs had accused the party of sidelining members from the Western region.
He also raised concerns over being frustrated as the party’s secretary general since he took up the position 18 months ago, accusing a section of leaders of plotting to oust him.
“There are some powerful forces within the party who did not want me as secretary general due to the fear of change and transformation. I wanted to transform the party especially from the culture of violence and messed up nominations where people win but tickets are given to other people. Those forces have been strategising to kick me out of office,” said Ababu.
Ababu rubbished claims of decamping to Jubilee, saying the reforms he is pushing for are aimed at bettering the party.