By Bonface Mulyungi

The Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) maintains that it is the custodian of the ideals of the party, accusing party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga of betrayal.

Speaking in Vihiga County on Saturday, the leaders launched a scathing attack on the Siaya Senator, trashing any planned talks between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

“Kila mtu anasema kitu Baba (Raila Odinga) aliwaambia kwa simu, Baba hadharani alisema “who has told you”…Oburu who has told you? Hatuwezi kuungana na mtu ambaye maadili yake hayafanani na sisi. Sisi ndio chama cha ugatuzi, hatuwezi tembea safari na watu kama UDA,” said Sifuna.

Siaya Governor James Orengo added: “Tumesema kwamba Linda Mwananchi ndio vuguvugu kubwa katika Kenya hii, and we must produce a presidential candidate. Hawaezi kuuza chama cha Raila Odinga, tuko hapo kuhakikisha chama iko imara na Kasongo anaenda nyumbani.”While calling for political tolerance, the leaders accused the government of silencing dissenting opinions.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi alleged that he is being targeted for failing to tow the line in what he says was a premeditated plan to deliver ODM on a silver platter to the powers that be.

“Shida zangu zilianza wakati Raila aliaga, hapo ndio sasa nilianza kupata tabu. Tukapigania ile mambo ya ten-point agenda. Alafu wakaanza kusumbua Sifuna. Walipojaribu kunipea kiti nikuwe SG nikakataa, wakanipea pesa nikakataa. Wanasema Osotsi pekee ndio amekataa mambo ya Ruto hapa Vihiga,” said Osotsi.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said: “Kama kuna rally tunapigwa, kama hakuna rally tunapigwa…hawa watu wanataka nini jamani? Kila Mkenya apewe nafasi kuongea. Ni demokrasia kila mtu aongee, kama kuna mtu haumtaki enda kwenye debe. Tuwe na political tolerance.”

The leaders also accused President William Ruto of running down the economy.

The Linda Mwananchi team heads to Kisumu on Sunday as tensions simmer over alleged plans to disrupt the rally.