This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga Sides with Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati ¶
On July 14, 2020, Raila Odinga, the leader of the ODM Party and the UN's special envoy, summoned Bungoma MCAs to discuss supporting Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati. Wangamati had expressed interest in contesting for the gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket in 2022.
According to sources, Raila Odinga informed the MCAs that Wangamati had asked for protection from Senator Moses Wetangula. The MCAs were given 'instructions' to work with Wangamati, despite their reservations about his leadership.
Two MCAs, Hon. Majimbo Okumu and Hon. Violet Makhanu, declined to agree to Raila's directive. Majimbo Okumu, the leader of the SUMMIT, an outfit comprising Bungoma MCAs from different parties, informed Raila that he didn't support Wangamati because of his corrupt regime and bullying behavior.
On July 14, 2020, both leaders received a NOTICE TO SHOW CAUSE, asking them to defend their decisions not to support Wangamati. Majimbo responded to the notice on July 20, 2020.
Wangamati has thrown everything at Violet Makhanu just to scare her, including an ongoing County govt. sponsored recall petition against her. She has stood her ground, earning her more admiration from her voters and the Bungoma populace at large.
The two leaders have been summoned to appear before the ODM's disciplinary organ at Orange House on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. They intend to honor the summons to defend their stand despite the fact that ODM party wants to replace them from assembly committees just to weaken the summit.
