Awendo Constituency MP and ODM chairperson, Migori County, Hon. Walter Owino has refuted claims that Orange Democratic Movement party MPs have boycotted a meeting that is ongoing in Migori County.
Reports had earlier alleged that all ODM Migori County MPs boycotted the planned meeting, citing ongoing tensions within the County’s political leadership.
According to the reports, Migori County Governor, H.E Ochilo Mbogo Ayacko is going to dominate the meeting, something that Walter Owino has refuted, saying that the meeting has nothing to do with the Migori County leadership but preparations to the forthcoming ODM party grassroot elections.
Speaking over the phone with The Nyanza Review, Owino said that some MPs have not attended the meeting because they are engaged with parliamentary businesses , today being a Parliament day. The MP is also not in attendance but has sent his apologies.
“ I sent my apology through the chair of the party Gladys who is attending. I have parliamentary engagements but the meeting has my blessings and I believe if the MPs are not attending, then they are also engaged in other parliamentary businesses. You know today is Parliament day,’’ confirmed the MP.
The ODM chairperson also clarified that there is no tension between ODM MPs and Governor Ochilo Ayacko since they work under difference parameters.
“I don’t want to talk about differences between Ochilo Ayacko and MPs, because I am not aware. The MPs are working under the National Government and Ochilo Ayacko works under the Country Government, so I don’t see where they are supposed to be having disagreements,” he asserted.
The meeting is underway and Gladys Wanga has confirmed her attendance. Interim ODM party leader and Kisumu Governor, Hon. Peter Anyang Nyong’o is also in attendance.
Wanga confirmed, “We are honoured to host H.E. Prof. @AnyangNyongo the Governor of Kisumu County and the Interim @TheODMparty Leader, who paid us a courtesy visit ahead of party activities in Migori County. Karibu sana Prof!”
ODM party is preparing to hold its National grassroot elections in November 27, 2024. This comes after its planned elections on April was cancelled due to floods in parts of the country.