Ababu Namwamba Resigns

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Ababu Namwamba has resigned from the powerful party position.

The Budalangi Member of Parliament quit the post alongside ODM Vice Chairperson and Funyula MP Paul Otuoma.

The two legislators, however, stated on Saturday that they would remain in the party but not as officials.

Otuoma told a rally in Busia: “I want to remain an ordinary member.”

The Funyula lawmaker said he would officially present his notice of resignation at the party’s headquarters next week.

Namwamba, Otuoma and other western leaders had complained of being sidelined in the party.

On Wednesday, CORD leader Raila Odinga was forced to convene a Central Management Committee meeting where Namwamba and his counterparts were put on the spot over their alleged rebellion.

Namwamba was criticised for failing to participate in major party activities including the protests against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The Budalangi legislator later said he would not be a slave of anyone and would not also allow anybody dictate his political future.

“I will not allow anyone to stifle me, telling me I cannot go there, you cannot speak to this person, this one cannot be your friend. When someone disrespects me, they disrespect the Budalangi.. We make our decisions in a free manner,” affirmed Namwamba.