The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party through its Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has accused Siaya gubernatorial hopeful Nicholas Gumbo and his ally former police spokesperson Charles Owino of frustrating the party.
Speaking to Nation after the two leader officially announced their defection from UDM to UDM party, Sifuna noted that they two likely made the switch long ago, but have been hanging around to “make life hard” in the party.
"What I know is the deadline for joining parties lapsed and the registrar closed the portal.
"These ones must have joined UDM long ago but were hanging around to just make life hard for ODM," Sifuna told nation.
Gumbo and Owino were expected to face off with Senator James Orengo in the ODM primaries, but ditched the Orange party over claims that a direct ticket will be issued to the latter.
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Former Police spokesperson Charles Owino and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo being welcomed to UDM Party by Mandera Governor Ali Roba. [Photo: Courtesy][/caption]Explaining his decision to ditch ODM, Owino noted that he made the switch on March 24, two days before expiration of party hopping deadline.
According to Owino, while in ODM, he was approached and requested to step down, adding that he accepted the request, but his supporters kept pushing him to contest.
“I paid the nomination fee and was to participate in the ODM nominations but I was prevailed upon to stand down for an individual and as our character dictates I said I would not oppose that kind of request… Unfortunately my supporters said I must run so we decided to team up with Gumbo and have a formidable force,” he was quoted.
Under their new arrangement, Owino will deputise Gumbo and together they will face off with Senator Orengo and other interested candidates in the August polls.