Orange Democratic rebel MP Richard Onyonka has sensationally blamed party Chairman John Mbadi of being a ‘stumbling’ block on cohesion and integration among party members.
Mbadi was appointed party chair in 2014 after the resignation of Henry Kosgei and has witnessed high-profile exit from the party during his regime with his former Vice Chairman Paul Otuoma and Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba seemingly blaming him for their woes within the party.
And Mr Onyonka, a fierce critic of ODM despite being elected on the ticket in Kitutu Chache South has claimed that the Suba MP is ‘continuosly’ being a barrier towards Raila presidency by running ODM affairs with force.
“I have always maintained that there is no democracy in the ODM party and the recent mass exodus has confirmed that. We used to have peace and harmony till Mbadi took over. He is such a guy who dictates everything and doesn’t allow members to give their views,” he said in an interview.
“Raila should tame him or contemplate losing in 2017 because Mbadi is the stumbling block in the party. He never accommodates views of other leaders and prefers misleading the party leader all times. I say that out of experience,” he added.
However, party national treasurer Timothy Bosire has come under the strong defense of his chairman saying the roles of all leaders were clearly outlined in the party’s constitution.
“It’s not fair to single-handedly pick one official and sacrifice him or her. We have party decision-making organs and the chairman cannot handle an issue that hasn’t been discussed. The party embraces democracy and those opposing it are real enemies of progress in the party,” he said.