An aide to Kisumu Central Member of Parliament Ken Obura has come to his boss' defense over claims that Obura was an 'absentee' leader and Jubilee 'mole' in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Constituency Chairman Nahashon Ng’wena sharply castigated those who have increasingly branded Obura over the allegations, calling them outsiders who do not have any idea of how the party operates.
He said that Obura remains an insider in ODM and is always in contact with the party leader on all matters touching on Kisumu and the entire nation.
Ng’wena cited Obura performance in increasing access and retention of children in school, reduced incidents of insecurity in the city, youth and women empowerment programs and lobbying for recruitment of 5000 youths to work in the National Youth Service (NYS).
“Our presence is visible and felt by the many poor people we have served over the years, so don’t write Hon Obura off as yet,” he said.
“Some of these people are not aware that our MP is always up to date with Raila Odinga’s itinerary and that he contributes in any form as required of him,” Ng'wena added.
The first-time MP has been accused by his critics of not being available to accompany Raila in his many vote hunting trips, saying that he is instead working with the Jubilee administration to frustrate Raila’s presidential bid.
Among the leaders who have hit the ground in early campaigns to unseat Obura include businessmen Richard Ogendo, Abdul Omar and Milimani MCA Eddy Anayo.
Gem Central MCA Charles Ouda who once stripped naked to protest a negative tweet on Raila Odinga has also declared that he is the race to replace Obura.