BY JEFF OTIENO IN KISUMU

Chairman of Sony Sugar Company Herbart Ojwang who for along time served as personal assistant (P.A) to Raila Odinga a couple of years ago is back vigorously once again in the political lime light.

Ojwang who severed links with the Prime Minister on unclear grounds had to jump ship and was salvaged by the former influential foreign affairs Minister now President Mwai Kibaki personal adviser Mr.Raphael Tuju to land the lucrative docket he has todate until the expiry of his contract which runs upto late 2009 next year.

A few days ago, Hebart was spotted by a group of hawk-eyed journalists having dinner with a local Kisumu based controversial contractor, a powerful local government Chief Officer and Gem Mp Jackoyo Midiwo in one of the leading Hotels in what keen observers believe was a perch up schemes to bring him back into the circles of the PM Raila Odinga.

Jackoyo who many believe is Raila Odinga pointman in the region is said to be having a soft spot for Herbart and according to sources close to the PM Camp, he bitterly protested his unceremonious exit.

Impeccable sources confided to this writer that the schemes to bring him to the lime light started a few months to the last General Elections when Herbart is said to have boarded a passenger plane one evening to Kisumu during Raila Odinga¢s fund raiser at Yatch club.

This journalist could however not establish whether it was by coincidence or design for him to have got a seat next to the PM where they could be seen exchanging heartily to the amusement of those who were on board.

It¢s alleged that the former aide had some invitation cards and was destined to go to the occasion to equally extend his olive branch and support to his former boss.

According to the sources, the PM told him to instead channel what he had to one of the aides who was aboard the plane for fear of victimizations by the rival camp.

The sources further confided that the closeness was given some boost when the Spectre international owned by the Odinga family had some difficulties to get molasses which is a crucial raw material for the plant from the local millers.

The millers apparently had got some decrees from above not to deal with the Odinga company,but Herbart sources opine came in handy and they are transacting harmoniously todate.

Recently, during the PM home coming in Bondo, Herbart was in attendance and was seated in away befitting those who matter in the circles of power.

END

– – –
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:00:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: JEFF
Subject: FORMER AIDE OF PRIME MINISTER BACK IN FULL SWING