Nyanza UDA leaders fault ODM for alleged incitement

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party officials from Nyanza have condemned statements made by leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party who publicly claimed that the ruling political outfit has no space in the region.

Homa Bay County UDA Chairman Kennedy Obuya said it's quite unfortunate that ODM leaders continue to threaten those in UDA, and even issue ultimatums to them.

Mr. Obuya said Kenya is a multiparty democracy and everyone has a right to join any party of their choice.

He said statements made by ODM leaders on Friday at the burial of the party’s former Migori Chairman were reckless and barbaric, adding that the opposition political outfit must not get scared of the rising popularity of the UDA party in the region.

“We want a level playing field in politics. It is unfortunate that the very ODM leaders who fought for multiparty democracy are the ones opposing it in this region. As Kenyans and Luos, we have a right to associate with any party we wish,” he said.

Mr. Obuya also defended Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo against accusations by ODM leaders that he is using State power to intimidate the opposition party’s leaders in the region.

He further added that such are pure lies since the PS is a public servant, hence must not be dragged into petty politics.

“As UDA party members in Nyanza region, we have been selling our policies and agenda, even without police presence or protection. We have been engaging in peaceful politics without any insults or mud-slinging, which is why our numbers have increased,” he noted.

Mr. Obuya’s remarks come after Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has indicated that the opposition will not allow the UDA party to penetrate the Nyanza region, which he termed as an ODM stronghold.

Oketch said he acknowledges that Kenya is a multiparty democratic State, but that parties have been formed regionally, hence they will not allow UDA to get into perceived ODM party political zones like Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya counties.

“In this country, there are regions that are UDA and there are those that are ODM. Nyanza is an ODM region and we will not allow anybody who tries to bring something which is not ODM,” he said.