Following the resignation of Ababu Namwamba and Paul Otuoma as ODM secretary general and national vice chair respectively, a Kisii don believes that the move was ‘misguided and unnecessary’ and predicted their downfall in the 2017 elections.
The two joined the long list of other ODM members among them Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro who had already decamped and a section of Gusii leaders led by Kisii Senator Chris Obure who have also openly disowned the party.
But political scientist Gideon Mamboleo has slammed the former allies of Raila Odinga saying they would not be able to counter the ‘political tsunami’ of the opposition leader in their respective areas.
“I think the rebellion that we are seeing in ODM strongholds may not bear the intended mission because Raila’s popularity in those regions is indisputable and solid,” he said.
“Those rebelling should be prepared to exit from active politics because I am certain they will lose their seats. Their decision was unnecessary and misguided. Raila still enjoys support in his Western, Nyanza and Coast because the regions have rationally supported him,” he said.
He challenged them to reconcile with their party leader to avoid embarrassment after the 2017 polls.
“If I were Namwamba or Otuoma and the rest, I would go back, talk to Odinga and iron out the difference. Otherwise they have dug their own political grave and the Odinga Tsunami will be too strong for them,” he said.