Ababu Namwamba, once ODM’s rising star, on Tuesday broke months-long silence saying he was “very frustrated” as secretary general but still has “fire in the belly”.
The Budalang’i MP recounted that he overcame heavy odds in his pursuit of the ODM post that he has held for 18 months.
Ababu said “all hell broke loose” in a case of ” kisirani in Kasarani (bad luck at Kasarani)” when he was about to be overwhelmingly elected.
But the MP noted that this was not because of claims he is a Jubilee mole. He explained that a man of his status at the time could not just rise to being a mole.
“Those are silly excuses. It had everything to do with the fear of change,” he said, adding he had been clear about transforming the party.
“I started ODM reloaded and ODM fresh later, composed of people ready to give the party fresh impetus.”
He said he also wanted to sweep away the cultures of violence and nominations marred by victories for reasons such as money changing hands.
Ababu said the forces that were against him back then did not fizzle out, but rather gathered and are still making plans against him.
But he said he is not “worried an inch” despite the nearness of the 2017 general election that has been scheduled for August.
Ababu has missed key Cord events including those surrounding the death of controversial businessman Jacob Juma and demonstrations against the IEBC. The absence fuelled speculation about his estrangement from Cord.
“Even great generals take time off from war,” he told Citizen TV on Tuesday, adding he is more balanced and mature after time off for reflection.
“Wine gets better with age,” he said.
Ababu said he does not want to work in an environment in which he is “merely tolerated” but that he is not worried as he “shoots from the hip”.
“I want to serve in an environment where I am appreciated. There are people who survive on intimidating others,” he said.
Ababu noted that he knew what he would be up against when he went for the position.
“I acknowledge the challenges I continue to face but I am no slave. It is mature politics to engage rivals at times,” he said.
“How many times have I seen Cord leader Raila Odinga with the president?” he posed.
