[Kisii Governor James Ongwae with ODM leader Raila Odinga. He is facing a serious reelection crisis. Photo/Nation]
Kisii Governor James Ongwae is fighting a life time political war and risks losing to rivals following a brewing rebellion within his Orange party.
Despite the region being a solid ODM zone, Ongwae, who is seeking reelection, could find himself in compromising situation following resistance from a section of Orange party supporters.
Moments after hosting Raila Odinga on Wednesday in a full to capacity Gusii stadium, hundreds of demonstrators accused him of ‘stealing’ public resources and vowed to vote only Odinga in August.
“Ongwae is a thief and we shall teach him a lesson. We shall only vote Raila Odinga,” read one of the posters by protestors.
Earlier, Ongwae had slammed his critics and Jubilee operatives insisting that the region would adopt a six-piece voting system.
“This is an ODM zone and whoever thinks can hide in Jubilee to incite our people, he is mistaken. We shall vote in a six piece or within NASA,” he said.
Even after managing to convince his deputy Joash Maangi to remain in ODM, Ongwae is facing a stiff challenge from South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya (KNC) and Senator Chris Obure of Jubilee.