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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders from the Kisii community yesterday distanced themselves from the push by some local politicians for a regional political party.

Kisii County Senator Sam Ongeri accused the politicians of using the community for their selfish interests. 

Ongeri said it was the highest degree of dishonest for Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been  in leadership for the last four years to start preaching a unity campaign in the face of a general election.

 Ongeri dismissed  claims that the community was not united, saying it was its leaders who were divided.

“Where have they been since they were elected four years ago. Is it now that they have realised that the community was not united. Is it the unity of the community or elected leaders,“ Ongeri posed.

Speaking to People Daily, Ongeri reminded the MPs that the Kisii community has matured politically and cannot dance to political whims of  leaders who wants to use them for their future political survival.

“The unity of the community cannot be mooted in Nairobi. It must done at home and all stakeholders brought on board,” he said.

Kajiado meeting

The senator was reacting to the Sunday meeting of politicians in Kajiado county said to have been convened by Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i.

Ongeri said Kisii region has enough registered political parties and those dreaming of forming another one were only out to divide the community.

“How can people talk of a new party 10 months before the next General-Election. This is a big joke and political confusion,” he added .

Sources told People Daily the issue of a political party featured prominently during the meeting.

Governor James Ongwae, women Rep Janet Ongera and ODM national treasurer Timothy Bosire have also laughed off the push for a political party.

Ongera tweeted that they were committed to the Sikri Declaration that Nyanza backs ODM and its leader Raila Odinga for the presidency.

Bosire who spoke to People Daily termed those calling for the unity of the community as political conmen who want to use the debate for their political survival.