Kilifi after Kingi’s abrupt departure
By People Reporter, August 24, 2021
Charles Lwanga
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has launched an aggressive campaign at the grassroots to reclaim its territory and edge out Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi’s political influence ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire, the newly appointed Kilifi County chairman said the party has embarked on a 100-day sensitisation tours across the county to strengthen its base.
“In the next 100 days, we are going to revamp our party and we are for the first time opening offices in the county capital all the way to the wards since the party has been taken back to the people,” he said.
This comes a few weeks after Kingi, using proxies registered Pamoja Alliance (PAA), which is in unity talks with five Coast-based political parties to form a coalition ahead of the General Election.
Speaking after an ODM consultative meeting with Rabai MP William Kamoti, Ken Chonga (Kilifi South), Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Kilifi Woman Rep Gertrude Mbeyu and 20 MCAs, Mwambire said ODM remains the party to beat in the county, commanding about 85 per cent support.
“This time round, the ODM party is going to be run by members and not individuals as it used to be during Kingi’s tenure as the county chairman,” he said.
“Elected leaders purporting to have left the party are afraid to relinquish their membership status and joining the parties of their choice for fear of losing their seats,” he added.
Voted for ODM
During the 2017 General Election, Kilifi under Kingi’s leadership voted overwhelmingly for ODM, sweeping all the nine parliamentary posts and 32 out of 35 MCA positions.
“Political leaders in the party should be assured of retaining their seats and those who will go astray will regret their moves,” said Chonga.
Senator Madzayo backed Mbeyu who said it was only through ODM that elected leaders will be able to retain their seats adding that party rebels were hesitant to resign from the party membership for fear of losing their seats.
“The rebels don’t want to resign from the party because they know the wrath of the electorate and soon you will see them troop back,” said Mbeyu.
Shella MCA Adamson Mwathethe, who is also the Kilifi County Assembly leader of majority said the ODM Party leadership in Kilifi is profiling rebels and will soon launch a campaign to whip them.