Ford Kenya secretary general David Eseli has rubbished claims that ODM leader Raila Odinga was involved in the plan to remove Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula as party leader. This comes on the back of a widespread notion that Raila Odinga and in some small part Francis Atwoli were involved in the divisive move that has rocked Ford Kenya. The idea was supported by ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, who called out Raila, hours after the Eseli led team announced Wetangula’s ouster. A picture circulating on social media, showing Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, Tongaren MP David Eseli, Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi and ODM leader Raila Odinga days before also raised eyebrows.
Speaking on Monday on West FM, Eseli said the plan to remove Wetangula was a party secret that wasn’t revealed to anyone, and that they had gone to meet Raila to discuss the problem surrounding the appointment of Prof. Donald Siamba as the deputy VC at Kibabii University and push for a solution. He said they had severed links with ODM as Ford Kenya party, but they had to reach out to Raila, “We met Education CS Magoha, PS Nabukwesi but we didn’t receive help. Finally, we decided to meet Raila…CS Eugene connected us to Raila,” he explained.
He said people are coming up with political excuses and that having meetings with leaders from different parties doesn’t mean politically instigated plans are being made. “Thinking that we as Western don’t have the ability to help ourselves is wrong.” He added that the meeting that took place at COTU boss Francis Atwoli’s home in Kajiado was meant to discuss development, “Atwoli is a man who is free with people, he can convene a meeting, serve drinks and provide a platform for us to discuss issues. If Wetangula calls us we’ll also go, If Musalia calls us we’ll go.” He also said the leaders in the party aren’t planning on auctioning the party to the highest bidder ahead of 2022.