ODM Party leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday reportedly hard-pressed his party's Secretary General Ababu Namwamba over concerns that he had absconded party duties.
During a meeting of the party's Central Management Committee held at Orange House, Odinga is said to have criticized Namwamba and other defiant party members for ignoring party structures and channeling their grievances through the media.
In his defense, the Budalangi lawmaker lamented over what he termed as being undermined by other Opposition leaders and cited Siaya Senator James Orengo’s utterances at a recent Busia rally that sought to portray him (Namwamba) as one who had been compromised.
The party's Central Management Committee gave the Budalangi legislator and five other western MPs two weeks to forward their grievances to the party.
Sources privy to the three-hour closed-door meeting revealed that the former Prime Minister was unhappy with the six legislator's move of arguing their case in the media.
The meeting was attended by three party officials and vice chairmen Josephat Nanok, Otuoma and John Waluk, an NEC member. Others were National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, Women Leader Beth Syeng'o , Youth Leader John Ketora and National Assembly Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo.
Meanwhile, Raila is said to have asked Namwamba to play his role as the Secretary-General and avoid any unnecessary wrangles that could undermine the party.
"This is not the time for quarreling, the elections are around the corner. That is not the way to go," Raila reportedly said.
