ODM Deputy Leader Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed the demands by a section of Wiper Party members in the Azimio Coalition for Raila Odinga to hand over the coalition’s leadership to Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper leader, saying such a move will ignite a political rebellion from ODM and Jubilee Parties.
Speaking to a local publication on Monday, the former Kakamega Governor described Wiper as a regional party that cannot ask ODM, a national outfit to anoint them (Wiper) for Azimio leadership.
“Wiper can only survive if we stick with them. ODM is a national party while Wiper is a regional party, so how would you convince all the ODM members to now back them? They will scatter and a rebellion will be inevitable,” the ODM Deputy leader said.
“Some of us have been in this party since its formation and have remained loyal to its cause, so you mean we will just be sitting there seeing other people being anointed? Western has also remained loyal to Raila, what do you tell them? We’ve spent a fortune at this party, so you just want us to stay and watch as another person is being endorsed? It’s about numbers and that’s a fact. That’s what politics is all about,” he added.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, December 31, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua stated that it was high time that Raila endorsed Kalonzo for the top seat. He argued that Azimio needed to borrow a leaf from President William Ruto and settle on their 2027 flagbearer early enough and hit the ground running on campaigns.
”I believe that Raila and the Nyanza backyard of ODM and other strongholds have benefitted from the selflessness of Kalonzo. It is only fair that they reciprocate that gesture this January,” Senator Wambua stated.
