Otiende Amollo Refutes Claims of Planning to Support Wiper Ahead of 2027 Elections

Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has dismissed viral claims suggesting that the Lake region is planning to support Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in the 2027 general elections.

Otiende on Wednesday, January 14,termed the claims fake and misleading, further warning members of the public against falling for political propaganda, which he claimed was aimed at tainting his reputation.

This follows a widely shared graphic bearing Otiende's image and an attributed quote claiming that the Luo community would back Kalonzo Musyoka due to the latter's alleged loyalty to Raila Odinga.

"Make no mistake, the Luo community will support H.E Kalonzo Musyoka in 2027. He has been loyal to Baba. For three consecutive elections, he stood with us without flinching," read part of the fake post.

The misleading post further allegedly suggested that the lawmaker was hitting out at Suna East Counterpart Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga for reportedly siding with President William Ruto.

In response, Otiende, who happens to be the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party leader, wrote “The fakers are tireless,” distancing himself from the said post.

Otiende's latest clarification comes hardly two days after he also dismissed claims of reportedly boycotting the party's Central Committee held on Monday, January 12.

In a statement on the same day, the legislator clarified that he was not a member of the central committee and therefore there was no need to accuse him of missing the crucial meeting.

"May it be known as the Deputy Chair of the ODM party. I have not boycotted any meeting. I am not a member of the Central Committee," the lawmaker stated.

The clarification is aimed atquelling rumours of his standing within the partyat a time when ODM is facing internal wrangles, particularly among members of the higher ranks.

ODM's major problem stems from division among members over the party's prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some of the members opposing the party's collaboration with President William Ruto's camp.

While some of the party leaders support the broad-based arrangement, others have opposed it, resulting in accusations and counteraccusations that now risk fragmenting the party's support.