Attempt by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership to woo back politicians who quit the outfit for other parties has run into headwinds.
Reports indicate that the defectors declined the request by the party to rejoin its fold, claiming that they had not been given certain assurances that would make them change their minds.
The party had appointed a section of political leaders to approach and talk to the defectors in an attempt to win them back to the mother party.
This is in a bid to have mass numbers within the grassroots in preparation for the 2022 General elections campaign bid. Among the leaders chosen include Ugunja Member of Parliament Opiyo Wandayi from Nyanza region.
Recently, concerns had been raised after a section of MPs from Nyanza region, one of ODM strongholds, quit the party and sought political mileage elsewhere.
For instance, Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch had defected from the party and won the seat on a Ford Kenya ticket. Wandayi affirmed that preparations had been put in place to ensure more leaders are readmitted to the party.
He revealed that among the defectors targeted by the party include former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir, Movement for Democracy and Growth party leader and Ugenya MP David Ochieng and Olago Aluoch.
Gumbo, when contacted by Nation, admitted that he had been in contact with Wandayi over the pertinent matter. He, however, revealed that a number of conditions had to be met for him to rejoin the party.
"I can go back to the party only if assured of credible nominations. But fair primaries in ODM are not easy due to vested interests," Gumbo said.
Further, he added that most leaders are defecting due to the party's governorship and management.
"People ruining the party are still at the helm despite recent changes," Gumbo stated adding that most leaders in Nyanza share his sentiments.
This comes at a time when politicians allied to ODM party leader Raila Odinga are fighting to strengthen the party within and without.
Just recently, Senator James Orengo claimed that powerful individuals at the office of the President had made plans to curtail Raila from ascending to the presidency. He cautioned those leaders against reneging on the handshake deal adding that this would lead to anarchy.
"They have already declared in their minds who is going to rule Kenya next year, and I’m telling them you’re reaping where you did not sow. Without Raila Odinga, you could not be planning that issue of succession, so listen to these two principals; Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta.” Orengo stated.
