The political stamina of Labour Party of Kenya leader Ababu Namwamba is at crossroads even as he plans to make a key announcement on the presidential race ahead of the August 8 poll.
LPK Secretary General David Makali, hinted on Tuesday that the party’s officials will hold a two-day retreat in Elementaita this weekend starting this Friday to decide on who to support for the country’s high office.
Speculations are rife that the former ODM Secretary General is on his way back to the orange party after unexpected change of course from Jubilee operatives.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong on Wednesday alleged that the Budalang’I legislator no longer receives financial aid from Jubilee leaders.
Ababu quit ODM in July last year citing frustration from a section of ODM's top leadership.
He said even as ODM secretary general, his hands were tied and that he could not deliver his mandate due to the status quo at Orange House.
During their exodus, Ababu left alongside Funyula’s Paul Otuoma and John Waluke of Sirisia.
Political opinion makers say that Ababu’s future is blurred. They cite his slumping political voice during the six months he has been out of ODM.
"The switch that he made from ODM to Labour Party will, however, cost him considering the Jubilee party money taps have already dried up." Busia Governor Sospeter Ojamoong stated recently.
Soon after quitting Raila’s party, Ababu conducted several rallies across the country in a bid to popularize his otherwise new vehicle. However, critics say LPK activities receive funds from Jubilee side.
He met hostility during his Coast visit as youths disrupted his ‘third force’ meetings. Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar said in August 2016 that Jubilee was on a mission to install new political vehicles in CORD strongholds to destabilize the opposition.
Even as the country waits on his next move, he in December stated that LPK would work with Jubilee.
"My decision to work with Jubilee is all about mature politics that will deliver meaningful development to our community. That is the direction to go politically," Ababu said as he accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto in their Busia tour late 2016.