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Magara: Why I quit ODM

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Published on Tuesday, 11 May 2010 21:57

In an interview with The Standard on Sunday Senior Political Writer Stephen Makabila, former Assistant Minister Omingo Magara reveals why he quit ODM and the cause of the fall-out with his party leader Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Apart from the fear of being rigged out of ODM nomination in South Mugirango, what else compelled you to ditch the party and resign as national treasurer?

The biggest problem in ODM is lack of consultation. In a democracy, you must accept divergent views. In ODM, the original tolerance and consultation is no more. It is worse than a one party state and it may fragment to infinity unless remedial measures are taken.

After Cabinet allocations. It seems people were only interested in positions and power. After they secured positions in Cabinet, the Pentagon died and other organs such as the National Executive Committee and Parliamentary Group only meet when there is a crisis.

Yes. I have been bitter because having been a national official and having sacrificed much in campaigning for its stolen victory, I deserved better treatment. Instead I was locked out of Cabinet as the ‘Johnny come lately’ benefited. Before the appointments, I confronted Raila and asked him what he knew about the lobbying and whether I needed to lobby given my position in the party. He assured me I was his brother but when the list came out I was nowhere. I was only made an Assistant Minister for the Department of Trade.

On the day the Grand Coalition Cabinet was being sworn in, I had decided not to take the appointment because the reasons I was given by the PM such as age factor were not convincing. It was my friend Pastor Zablon Ayonga, a former CKRC Commissioner, who prevailed upon me to take the appointment.

Are you still bitter with the PM over the same?

On personal level no. He’s my friend. But politically we do not get along because he is surrounded by people who misinform him for personal gain. I cannot fit in the system he operates in. He may be shielded from the truth until reality dawns on him when it is too late.

The party was scheming to take me into a "political slaughter house". I was denied direct nomination by the party despite being its national official, yet a direct ticket had been issued to the Matuga candidate. I saw danger coming because I am aware the party has its preferred candidate in South Mugirango and the upcoming nomination is just a public relations exercise.

I telephoned him and told him I had had enough and it was time to move on. I told him it had become increasingly difficult to work with some people in the region who wanted me out of ODM.

I know a sour relationship exists between the PM and these two ministers. It should not have gone this far where one has to be pushed out of the Cabinet or demoted for having opposing views. There is however room for them to talk if there is genuine willingness on both sides.

I consult with Nyachae regularly on our community’s agenda. He is a respected elder and I have never thrown mud at him. He has a say in giving direction to the community and the country.

ODM had a good manifesto that has been overshadowed by other issues and I want to navigate and implement some of them in PDP. I am sure PDP is free of ‘political cannibalism’ that is in ODM where some preach water but drink wine. Before joining PDP, I sat, reflected and strategised. My destiny is with God and not any human being.

I am optimistic and I will be back by the grace of God and by the will of the people of South Mugirango. I won in the last elections and extended the win at the recount ordered by court.

I am still studying the draft before making a stand. For now, I urge South Mugirango residents to also study the draft before making an informed decision.