The decision by the ODM leader Raila Odinga to readmit ODM party rebels who decamped after the shambolic 2017 primaries has left party members on the edge.
According to a report by the Daily Nation on Tuesday, March 31, party embers, especially, from the Nyanza region are regretting the return of the rebels as they reportedly stand an equal chance of uprooting them from their current positions.
The publication indicated that after speaking to several party insiders, it was established that while they had welcomed the decision by the party leaders, they had done so grudgingly.
ODM spokesperson Philip Etale, however, denied the allegations when contacted by Kenyans.co.ke and dismissed the sentiments as 'selfish' stating the party was focused on aiding government's efforts in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
Etale stated that the decision to readmit the party members was a normal thing that has happpened world over in the spirit of democracy and healthy competition.
"Anyone is welcome back to the party. It is something that happens all over the world. It is all in the principle of competition. There is no disquiet in the party. We have simply not had much going on due to the Coronavirus pandemic," he stated.
According to the publication, however, one of the MPs insisted that indeed there was disquiet among the members and those who publicly endorsed the welcoming of the returnees did so to escape backlash.
"In the safe spaces where they interact freely, they openly indicate their displeasure with the decision. They are scared of the advantage it will offer their rivals," the MP stated in confidence.
To such sentiments, Etale insisted that if the party members were confident of their track record and support from the public, then they have nothing to fear from the returnees.
"If any of the leaders from the region are strong enough on the ground, then they should be assured of the win in the elections. There is nothing to be worried about," he concluded.
Among some of the former legislators who returned to the party include former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, former Nyatike MP Edick Omondi, former Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro and former Makadara MP Reuben Oduor.
Also in the list is the former Alego Usonga MP Omondi Mulwan and the former Kasipul-Kabondo MP Joseph Oyugi Magwanga.
