- Speaking after receiving the vehicle at the ODM offices on Monday, Ong'wen urged the two factions to work together.
- One faction is led by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, the other by Kilifi county assembly speaker Teddy Mwambire.
Image: ELIAS YAA
Kilifi county ODM branch has started a campaign to popularise the party at the grassroots.
The party has received a new branded Prado to enhance operations ahead of the official opening of party offices in Kilifi town.
The vehicle, donated by Ganda MCA Oscar Wanje, was received by ODM executive director Oduor Ong'wen.
Speaking after receiving the vehicle at the ODM offices on Monday, Ong'wen urged the two factions to work together.
One faction is led by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, the other by Kilifi county assembly speaker Teddy Mwambire.
“Before I came here I went to pay a courtesy call to the governor and that was my message. I told him for now you are like the symbol of unity of Kilifi. If you are the one again being seen to lead a faction against another one then who will bring the people of Kilifi together. And it is the same message I am passing to the chair," Ong'wen said.
"The responsibility you have as a chair is big than any of us. All of us have responsibilities in making sure the party is intact but your responsibility is bigger. Play that role, make sure whatever it is the party remains strong, the party remains united and ready to govern.”
According to Mwambire, Ongwen’s visit was to lay ground for the official opening of the county office by party leader Raila Odinga.
“For sure this message is very heavy and I promise not to take it for granted. ODM in Kilifi county will not just be united but will work towards reclaiming its lost glory. The challenges that we have been going through are merely meant to keep us very strong but not to break us,” he said.
Ganda MCA said his donation should not be misconstrued as having any plans to seek leadership in the party.
“I did it out of love for the party and I am not undermining anyone in anyway,” he said
Mung’aro and Mwambire have not had a good relationship for the past few months, with two attempts to impeach Mwambire hitting a dead end.
Their relationship deteriorated further when last month Mwambire led a team of more than 30 former ODM members back to the party.
The members, led by youth leader Samir Nyundo, had decamped to Pamoja African Alliance.
The team christened ‘team Rosa’ is responsible for furnishing and branding of the Kilifi ODM office.
The team has caused jitters among Mung’aros team considered as ODM ‘B’ and widening the rift between the two leaders
Mung’aro did not attend the meeting at the county office.
Last month, the governor’s address at the county assembly was interrupted for 45 minutes after a power outage and the standby generator failed to start.
Some regarded the matter as a sabotage to show the inefficiency of the speaker to lead the assembly.
Mwambire however, brushed off the claims.
Kayafungo MCA Agnes Sidi who was said to be fronted by Mung’aro to take over from Mwambire issued a statement that she has no interest in the speaker’s seat and those spreading the rumour are doing it out of malice.
She urged the public to ignore the rumours and promised to report the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Mwambire is the ODM Kilifi county chairman. Because of the seniority in the county leadership, some ODM members, including some MCAs, wanted Mung’aro to take over the party chairmanship.
He took over the position after former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi ditched ODM to form his PAA party.
Mwambire said there are procedures to be followed on the election of a chairman.
The leaders who attended Monday meeting included Flora Mbetsa Chibule (deputy governor), Stewart Madzayo (Senate Minority leader), Ken Chonga (Kilifi South MP ), Getrude Mbeyu (woman representative).
Others included Ibrahim Abdi Athman, Martha Koki Musyoki, Haroun Tete and Twahir Abdulkarim, among others.