Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero spent over Sh20.7 million last weekend alone, in support of various development projects in Kisumu County and Nyanza region. Dr Kidero was invited to most of the functions by ODM rebels who have been differing with Raila on the running of the ODM party. “He is quickly becoming a darling of politicians within Luo Nyanza and has crafted a relationship with Raila’s foes and friends as he concentrates on raising funds for various development projects. This has now stirred murmurs within ODM rank and file, with many claiming that Kidero could be preparing himself to replace Raila as the Nyanza kingpin by 2017,” said an ODM MP who did not want his name mentioned.. At a fundraiser in Kisumu in aid of the local Jua Kali association on Friday, where he was the chief guest, Kidero donated Sh2.5 million and also gave out a Sh500,000 donation from President Uhuru Kenyatta.About Sh7.2 million was raised at the event. Interestingly, Raila Odinga also attended the function and donated Sh500,000 while area MCA Isaya Onyango gave out Sh40,000. That his donation far overshadowed Raila’s elicited mixed signals. The same Friday, Kidero had officiated at another fund-raiser at Koru Girls High school in Muhoroni, where he personally gave Sh1 million, in a function that netted Sh3.5 million.He had been invited by Muhoroni MP James Onyango K’Oyoo of PDP party. In Awendo constituency,Migori county on Saturday, Kidero presided over another funds-drive towards Tom Mboya high school where Sh7 million shillings was collected, with his personal donation of Sh3.5 million. He was accompanied by area MP Jared Opiyo and factional Luo Council of Elders Chairman Riaga Ogallo who has since fallen out with Raila over ideological issues. The governor, speaking in Dholuo, said:, “kama ibetie kichiemo nyaka iparie jodala” (when you are seated eating, you must remember your people). His renewed involvement in development activities comes in the wake of a string of accusations by Raila’s allies that he was being used to undermine the former PM’s influence in the region, but Kidero has denied harbouring such motive.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:21:18 +0000