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Post by falafulani on Feb 13, 2012 15:31:32 GMT 3
In a move that is seen by many political analysts as a game changer, ODM and Ford Kenya have annouced intention to form a formidable alliance that will no doubt consolidate the Western Kenya vote. Follow the link below... bit.ly/wNS2Vt |
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Post by cheshirecat on Feb 13, 2012 15:55:49 GMT 3
In a move that is seen by many political analysts as a game changer, ODM and Ford Kenya have annouced intention to form a formidable alliance that will no doubt consolidate the Western Kenya vote. Follow the link below... bit.ly/wNS2VtI thought Western Kenya was an ODM stronghold already? This is like announcing that the United States has finally captured Texas. |
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Post by falafulani on Feb 13, 2012 16:05:02 GMT 3
For your information cheshirecat, Luhya is the second biggest voting block in Kenya, and previously their votes have been fragmented between ODM, PNU and the many Ford Kenyas
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Post by phil on Feb 13, 2012 16:14:20 GMT 3
In a move that is seen by many political analysts as a game changer, ODM and Ford Kenya have annouced intention to form a formidable alliance that will no doubt consolidate the Western Kenya vote. Follow the link below... bit.ly/wNS2VtI thought Western Kenya was an ODM stronghold already? This is like announcing that the United States has finally captured Texas. Not really. FORD-K has (since 1992) had its stronghold in Bungoma County and outlaying areas dominated by the populus Bukusu Luhya sub-tribe. ODM did get a few seats in Bukusu-land in 2007, but so did FORD-K and so did Kibaki in the presidential votes. But this announcement started a long time ago. And like the say, it is reckless to ignore the political prowess of the ODM Party Leader. When the current FORD-K Chairman Moses Wetangula was re-appointed back to cabinet after the protracted scam saga of the illegal sale of the Kenyan embassy in Japan, it was ODM leader who led the defence of the reappointed in parliament, while the G-7 were routing for Eugene Wamalwa to be appointed to cabinet and assume the minister of foreign affairs portfolio. Wetangula remembers that very well, while Noah Wekesa remembers his days with Raila during the NARC days. The FORD-K elections were boycotted by Mukhisa Khituyi when he realised he was facing certain defeat for chairmanship at the hands of Wetangula who had done his homework and gelled well with FORD-K delegates. Eventually, Musakari Kombo - ever threatened by acutioneers - led a mass defection of senior members of the party to New-FORD-K where they are enjoying daily allowances from being publicly seen at any function graced by William Ruto. Interestingly, this should come as a warning shot to G-7. Ever since consipiring to amend the political parties act to allow pre-election alliances and coalitions, G-7 have behaved as if they have a total monopoly in crafting these alliances. I have previously warned that ODM is also equal to the task and will not hesitate to welcome on board parties which share ideologies with itself. Even within the g-7 itself, there are those who have one foot out of the alliance and are constantly sending co-operation feelers to ODM. Not surprising for an alliance that is full of backstabbers and hypocrites. Our politics is evolving very fast and by the start of the third quarter 2012, the landscape will be very different from what is exciting people like Mwalimumkuu here. What I can guarantee though is that ODM shall indeed form the next government of the republic of Kenya. |
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Post by b6k on Feb 13, 2012 16:20:21 GMT 3
I thought Western Kenya was an ODM stronghold already? This is like announcing that the United States has finally captured Texas.  Cheshirecat, you're right. This isn't a game-changer. It's more like a trend setter. Wetangula & co were an aberration in western. With the most popular candidate & his party hovering at 32% in the polls, it's clear that alliances & or mergers will be the order of the day in KE. Wetangula has been very categorical that Ford Kenya will maintain its identity & will only assist ODM after the general elections. No single party can win the 2012 election on its own steam. |
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Post by b6k on Feb 13, 2012 16:32:02 GMT 3
When the current FORD-K Chairman Moses Wetangula was re-appointed back to cabinet after the protracted scam saga of the illegal sale of the Kenyan embassy in Japan, it was ODM leader who led the defence of the reappointed in parliament, while the G-7 were routing for Eugene Wamalwa to be appointed to cabinet and assume the minister of foreign affairs portfolio. Wetangula remembers that very well... It may just be a question of time before "new evidence" in the embassy scam is unearthed & the file lands at the DPP's desk for action. Echoes of Ruto's Ngong forest saga come to mind. I hope Wetangula knows what he's in for. |
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Post by adongo23456 on Feb 13, 2012 17:17:32 GMT 3
These things will go on for the next six months or so. Other than ODM no other political party has tried any form of internal democracy. It is all talk and nothing more. When the fake G7 falls apart as it must there will be a thousand other alliances as they battle to figure out who their presidential candidates will be. We haven't seen anything yet.
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Post by mzee on Feb 13, 2012 18:01:39 GMT 3
You are right, people are just positioning themselves, trying to pull one or the other trick so as to be accommodated by this or the other group. Tommorow you might hear another story from the same individuals.
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Post by subsaharanite on Feb 13, 2012 22:38:34 GMT 3
This is certainly bad for Wamalwa especially in his quest for presidency through the G-7 alliance. He probably has limited bargaining powers amongst his colleagues. The western block is slowly shaping up. With the Luyha and Luos ganging up, they only need full backing of the ever hard headed kisiis, to form a formidable western front.
All they will need then are a few other votes from Nairobi, the coast north eastern etc to have Agwambo in state house.
The G-7 must recalculate their steps right now.
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Post by foresight on Feb 14, 2012 4:17:19 GMT 3
What a way of killing two birds with one stone! In a way it removes and smoothens the sharp edges that were beginning to form on Musalia's horns, who knows, this could even shorten them to the right size permanently... Just a thought!!
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Post by b6k on Feb 14, 2012 11:20:33 GMT 3
The western block is slowly shaping up. With the Luyha and Luos ganging up, they only need full backing of the ever hard headed kisiis, to form a formidable western front. One man's hard headedness is another man's democracy. An argument could be made that those communities that coalesce as a unified front actually embody a less democratic stance, especially when they follow the tune of an autocratic leader, & risk being doomed en masse as the lemmings when their collective decision goes pear shaped. |
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Post by gemagema on Feb 14, 2012 14:28:33 GMT 3
We are not merging with ODM, ford Kenya leaders say
Written by John Kabaka 2012-02-14 12:20:00 Read 70 Times FORD Kenya secretary general Dr Eseli Simiyu has refuted allegations that his party is planning to merge with ODM ahead of the next general election. “That’s the media propaganda, we did not say we will merge, we said we don’t have differences with ODM, since 2008 we have been cooperating well and we are good partners indeed, a merger is a very serious issue, and as a secretary general I can’t take that action alone I have to consult widely”, said Eseli. He mentioned that if at all there will be need to merge then it will come after the election. “Don’t take that with any seriousness, if there will be any merger then that will come after the election and it is you members who will decide”, he said. Reacting on the same, the assistant minister in the ministry of lands Bifwoli Wakoli also turned down the allegation saying they are not willing in any way to join another party. “Others are saying that we are merging with other parties, we cannot join any other party, and the fellows they are referring to who came to witness this are just friends of ours, they came to say hi to us, when they came in Bungoma and joined us for the rally that meant nothing to us and there are no any plans to merge, the coming of Ababu Namwamba wasn’t to confirm anything”, said Wakoli.[Read: Ford Kenya to form alliance, says Wetangula westfm.co.ke/index.php?page=news&bid=4586]“When I escorted the Hague suspects in Netherlands , that did not mean I had joined them, so those talking of the merger are spreading lies just ignore them”, he added. The Bumula Mp said ODM has been a true partner to their party and they will continue with the partnership and cooperation. “If there is any move to join hands then it should come after the poll”, he said. The party leader Foreign affairs minister Moses Wetangula though did not comment on the same issue saying the party is very ready to work with other likeminded parties. They said this when they met the party delegates in Kakamega County. Wetangula said the party is very strong and has internal democracy saying they will contest for the presidential nomination with Bifwoli Wakoli who has as well said will be going for presidency. “We are very fair, I and Bifwoli will be going for the presidency and I can assure all of us have the right to say that and when the time comes we will seek your mandate via nomination and whoever wins will be supported by the other ”, said Wakoli. Read more: westfm.co.ke/index-page-news-bid-4603.htm#ixzz1mM1j7RDp
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Post by subsaharanite on Feb 14, 2012 22:26:07 GMT 3
The western block is slowly shaping up. With the Luyha and Luos ganging up, they only need full backing of the ever hard headed kisiis, to form a formidable western front. One man's hard headedness is another man's democracy. An argument could be made that those communities that coalesce as a unified front actually embody a less democratic stance, especially when they follow the tune of an autocratic leader, & risk being doomed en masse as the lemmings when their collective decision goes pear shaped. It seems like thats the norm , central is struggling to speak with one voice, Kalenjins have joined in. Kamba's are hoping Kalonzo will lead them to the right grouping, so are the merus and embus. Luos and Luhyas have their own movement. The rest of the kenyans are just hanging in there! They have to decide which amongst these two groups will best articulate their agenda. Past administration has always misused western province. I was in western province a year ago and I was appalled by the state of their roads whilst they sweeten the whole of Kenya's tea. This was bizarre given that they had one of the highest number of ministerial posts. In spite of the Wetangula's fighting for Kibaki, they still have no kickbacks to show to their people. Moody Awory enjoyed his perks as a VP while his fellow Luhyas got nothing in return. I bet even if Wamalwa was to be the next VP, his duty will be relegated into checking out whoever who will be in the opposition rather than channeling some resources to western province. That is what Kalonzo has been doing in the last four years. Although Raila has been a big noisemaker, he has atleast got a few things done here and there. The road network therein is much better than it was during Moi's time. Kisii's have always been at an advantage not matter what side of government they have been at, but with a RUTO presidency, I bet they will be kicked out of Kale land and receive no further developmental funds. If they rally behind Awambo, atleast he will remember to tarmac their roads given that his entourage has to pass through their to reach Luoland. It does not matter who the leader is . I bet The western front has no otherwise but to unite under Raila given that it looks like UHURUTO group is feeling sweet for western. They think they can get the presidency without western province. I bet the amalgamation of the so called 'insignificant' communities under Raila will sail through. With the Luo, Luhya and Kisii solid block, it will require only a few other votes for Raila to sail through. |
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Cheshirecat, you're right. This isn't a game-changer. It's more like a trend setter. Wetangula & co were an aberration in western. 
