Governor Mwadime Announces Plan to form his New Party

Andrew Mwadime, the Governor of Taita Taveta County, has announced his intention to form his own political party, where he will be the leader. Speaking during a meeting of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates held at Panlis Hotel in Mwatate, Governor Mwadime stated that he plans to establish his party following challenges faced during the party primaries leading up to the general election on August 9, 2022.

The meeting was attended by ODM leader Raila Odinga and other party leaders, including Deputy Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma, and other leaders.

Mwadime informed Odinga that he would engage in discussions with him regarding his plan, indicating that a decision would be reached thereafter.

Mwadime had been elected as an independent candidate after his efforts to secure the ODM ticket in the previous election were unsuccessful.

“I had issues with the ODM party, leading me to run as an independent candidate. But I will come to you for discussions because I want to be the leader of the party, and to be a leader, we must have the Mwadime party,” he said.

However, some leaders, including Oparanya and Mwaruma, emphasized that leaders not aligned with any political faction have little influence in advocating for the interests of the people.

“Do not vote for leaders who stand as independent candidates. They are like bats, neither birds nor animals. In the upcoming election, let’s choose ODM party leaders,” Mwaruma stated.

Oparanya emphasized that the ODM party is a national party with significant support in Taita Taveta County and other parts of the country. He warned against the formation of smaller parties, citing the example of the PAA party, where some of its leaders recently joined ODM.

“During elections, many small parties emerge, claiming they want their party to address their issues. Those who do that are pursuing their own interests, so be cautious of such people,” he advised.

Oparanya urged the residents of the area to rally behind the ODM party and encouraged those who hadn’t registered to join during the ongoing registration drive.

Friday marked the first visit of the party leader to the county since the previous election. In the last election, the ODM party lost many political positions, securing only the senatorial seat and five county assembly seats, contrary to previous elections.

In the past, Odinga received substantial support from former governors, including John Mruttu, who was elected on the ODM ticket in 2013, and his successor Granton Samboja, who was elected under the Wiper party. While in office, Samboja seemed to align more with Odinga than Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.