The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered another blow after a member deserted the party on Sunday and joined the Jubilee Party of Kenya JPK.
Raila Odinga’s close ally Rev Lawrence Bomett ditched the party in an announcement made when Jubilee affiliated leaders led by former Nakuru Town MP David Manyara and former Nakuru town mayor John Kitilit, held a Kalenjin community welcome party at Bomett’s home in Ngata, Nakuru.
The former NCIC commissioner vied for the Nakuru gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket in 2013 but lost to Kinuthia Mbugua.
Manyara said, “We have been sent from Nairobi, to come and welcome our brother home. When one sheep gets lost, you must find it and bring it back. Now we have found Mr. Bomett, and we have brought him back home.”
Kalenjin Community elders’ council, retired major John Seii praised the move saying Bomett is ready to lead Nakuru.
However, Bomett took issue with Governor Kinuthia Mbugua saying he has failed to deliver on his promises.
“When I came in 2013, voters decided they want Mbugua and his deputy Rutto. I did not disturb them. But I have gone to Naivasha, Molo, Solai and everywhere, and I have discovered he (Mbugua) has not delivered. Mbugua it’s too late, hii ugali haitaiva bwana. Patia mimi mwiko, nitengenezee watu wa Nakuru ugali,” Bomett said.
Bomett cited pressure from his supporters and community as the reason for his change of loyalty.
"I have defected from CORD to Jubilee. The pressure from my supporters and community was irresistible. The elders led by major Seii came from all corners of Nakuru County with Jubilee officials to perform the ceremony at my farm in Ngata," he said.