Migori Governor Okoth Obado was left temporarily stranded after a mourner took off with his seat during the burial of former MP Zablon Owigo Olang’ in Migori.
Obado's handlers had strategically located his seat next to ODM Leader Raila Odinga,
However, the governor walked to the venue only to find that he did not have a seat, forcing him to take one next to the late Owigo’s first wife.
Obado accused Nyatike MP Tom Odege and Raila’s aide Dennis Onyango for the blunder. He stated that their intention was to bring a rift between him and the party leader.
"They wanted to portray my relationship and that of the ODM leader as one that is drifting apart. I wasn't able to whisper some of the challenges being faced by my people," Obado stated.
In addition, the governor called out Siaya senator James Orengo for breaching protocol when he invited Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti to address the mourners.
“I will not accept some people to come and interfere with us here. They don’t know how we are living. The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is meant to bring us together as a community but not to separate us,” Obado added.
Obado, a long time friend of the ODM leader, was rumored to be a supporter of the DP, claims that he has since denied.
“I hear people have been telling Jakom (Raila) that I am campaigning for Ruto. How can I do so when I am an ODM life member,” said the governor.
Last year, the ODM party attempted to impeach Obado over poor service delivery to the people of Migori.
The uncertainty pitting ODM party and Obado played out during the burial.
Suba Council of Elders chairman Japheth Riogi has since indicated that the incident was embarrassing.
"Out of all Luo counties of Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya, Migori has been treated as 'opposition' despite being in the forefront in pushing for ODM agenda,” Riogi said.
