In the by-election, Ochieng garnered 3,469 votes against ODM’s Wanga who got 3,353 votes. The rebellion in Siaya county against ODM is worrying and unless it is contained in the earnest, the 2027 elections will see ODM become a fringe party and a pale shadow of its current itself. Currently, Siaya County Assembly has several non-ODM MCAs elected in the August general elections. The MCAs for West Yimbo, North Gem, and East Asembo Wards were elected as Independents, the others on Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) and United Democratic Movement (UDM) party tickets, respectively
Barely a few weeks after he defied the ODM party against campaigning for an independent candidate in the Gem South by-election, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo is now being branded a rebel and that he is attempting to rock the boat from within.
The MP whose nomination to fly the ODM flag in the August elections was never supported by ODM top brass has now declared war with the party leadership. Just a week before Christmas, he declared that he will vie for the position of ODM Secretary General currently held by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The announcement has not gone down well with ODM luminaries who now see Elisha as a rebel without course and who is said to be on a revenge mission. According to those who have been keenly watching political events as they unfold in the region, Elisha had squarely blamed Edwin Sifuna for subjecting him to public humiliation during the ODM nominations.
Whereas many sitting MPs from Luo Nyanza were given direct tickets, Elisha was subjected to a competitive nomination process and the matter ended up in the tribunal. ODM had a soft spot for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s first cousin Dr Jalnag’o Midiwo.
Following the victory of Brian Ochieng who run as an independent candidate in the Gem South by-election, Elisha who openly defied his party directive and campaigned against the ODM candidate Polycap Wanga now believes that he has what it takes to make independent political decisions without necessarily bending too low to the ODM top leadership.
In the by-election, Ochieng garnered 3,469 votes against ODM’s Wanga who got 3,353 votes. The rebellion in Siaya county against ODM is worrying and unless it is contained in the earnest, the 2027 elections will see ODM become a fringe party and a pale shadow of its current itself. Currently, Siaya County Assembly has several non-ODM MCAs elected in the August general elections. The MCAs for West Yimbo, North Gem, and East Asembo Wards were elected as Independents, the others on Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) and United Democratic Movement (UDM) party tickets, respectively.
