Cleric Says ODM is to Blame for Poverty in Nyanza

A cleric has reiterated his earlier claim that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is headed by Raila Odinga, is to blame for high levels of poverty in the Nyanya region.

Bishop James Ochiel, head of the Anglican Diocese of Southern Nyanza, said he has nothing to apologize over his claims that the opposition is to blame for lack of development in the area.

“I cannot apologise over my statement that Raila Odinga’s party is to blame for poverty affecting people of Nyanza,” said Bishop Ochiel.

Bishop Ochiel said that statistics can prove that devolution is doing nothing to uplift the lives of Nyanza residents. “Residents of this region have nothing to show for devolution except sycophant leaders,” he said.

“Competent leaders have been locked out of elections because it’s alleged they are not loyal to ODM and its leadership,” said Bishop Ochiel.

The man of God challenged the party to prove that it is not behind the poverty residents are languishing in.

“If I am lying, let ODM party prove me wrong because we cannot hide this truth anymore,” said Bishop Ochiel.

He said areas leaders do not care about making residents' lives better, since party loyalty is what is used to determine where one will be reelected.

“Governors in Nyanza are reluctant to perform their duties because they know it's loyalty that is important and not their track record,” he said.

However, in response, ODM chairman John Mbadi termed Ochiel’s claims as unfortunate and unjustified. “We respect Bishop Ochiel as a man of God, but he missed the point in blaming our party for problems affecting our people,” said Mr Mbadi.

“Bishop Ochiel should know that we have not coerced residents of Nyanza to vote for their leaders on the party’s ticket. They do so because they believe in ideals of the party,” said Mr Mbadi. “Do political parties have funds for development?” asked Mbadi.

ODM director of political affairs Opiyo Wandayi said the cleric should form an alternative political outfit for the region.

“The bishop is free to form his own political party to rival ODM if he believes we are to blame for problems affecting our people,” said Wandayi.