Senator Machage ditches Raila led Orange party

Two days after his declaration that he will not be defending his senatorial seat, but rather go for a parliamentary post, Migori Senator Dr Wilfred Machage has ditched Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Senator Machage on Friday decamped from ODM to Democratic Party, commonly DP in his preparation to vie for the Kuria West Constituency parliamentary seat in the August polls.

The chairman of the Senate Health Committee, who was received by party leader Joseph Munyao, said, prior to his decision, he consulted residents on what outfit to vie with.

He said that his decamping was well informed by the electorate’s demands.

"I am back home and happy to be received because a time has come to remind Kenyans I am a staunch member of DP where is home for many," Machage said.

NASA onslaught

Speaking shortly after decamping from the Raila led ODM party; Machage has trashed the unity of National Super Alliance (NASA), terming it the end of ODM.

"I don't even know if there is a party called ODM ... naskia kimenaswa (it has been swallowed by NASA)," he said.

On his part, Munyao said the party will be fielding candidates in all positions in counties and constituencies. He has, however, not clarified who will be vying for the presidential seat.

"DP was formed 25 years ago. We have resolved not to merge with any other party. The party will be fielding of candidates in all counties and constituencies in the coming elections. We welcome aspirants to join our party and offer their candidature," Munyao said.

Earlier, senator Machage had dismissed ODM leader Raila Odinga's threats to leave the party, saying he is still a member.

Raila once said the Senator adds little value to the party and it was only through negotiated democracy that the Senator earned his seat after losing out in nominations for the 2013 polls.

Watch video below when Machage was talking about Raila and Uhuru.

Senate roles

Wilfred Machage hit the headlines in the recent past during the hearing of the doctors’ petition that was presented before the Senate Health Committee when he declared the doctors Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2013 illegal, crushing the hopes of doctors to have their strike come to an end.

The opposition leader dared Machage to leave ODM if he does not feel comfortable.

Machage is jostling to oust the incumbent Mathias Nyamare Robi who was elected in 2013 under the now defunct Jubilee Party-affiliated URP party.

Machage has once been a 10-year serving member of parliament for Kuria West Constituency and in the recent past has been at loggerheads with the ODM leadership.