Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga made an emergency landing on Monday in the troubled Kisii County hours before President Uhuru Kenyatta anticipated four days tour in the vote-rich region.
Odinga’s short visit on his way to Migori comes at the time incumbent Governor and ODM Kisii branch Secretary General James Ongwae is facing stiff competition from Senator Chris Obure who was recently ousted as the party’s county chairperson following his alleged links with Jubilee government.
According to the source privy to a closed door meeting held between Mr Odinga, Governor Ongwae and senior ODM assembly leadership, Raila’s emergency stop over addressed key issues among them proper channels of handling rebels within the party and popularising the party across the county.
“To be sincere, we didn’t expect the Party Leader today and we were only informed few minutes before he landed. He held crucial talks with the Governor and ODM leadership on how to popularise the party across the county,” said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The source added: “Odinga was disappointed with leaders working with Jubilee government to weaken Governor Ongwae and he promised to ensure key changes in terms of ODM county leadership. He also urged MCAs to help the Governor tame rebellious leaders who were driving the infamous Omogusii unity that seems to be an impediment towards development."
The source also revealed that Mr Odinga alongside Governor Ongwae will tour numerous places in Kisii on Friday to popularise the party and sensitise residents on major achievements of Mr Ongwae.
“He will be coming on Friday and together with the governor, they will traverse the county and launch a series of projects funded by the county government,” said the source.
Pioneers of Omogusii unity among them Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and Senator Obure were not present. Journalists were also not allowed to cover the meeting.