Nairobi, April 22 -- A simmering political storm within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) burst into the open after party leader Dr Oburu Oginga mounted a spirited defence of senior government officials Raymond Omollo and Opiyo Wandayi, telling critics demanding their removal to "shut up."

Speaking amid growing unease in ODM's Luo Nyanza base, Dr Oginga dismissed calls to sack the two as misguided and self-defeating, warning that such agitation risks undermining the region's foothold in government at a delicate political moment.

"It is unfortunate that our own people are the ones raising the issue that our people in government should be sacked," Dr Oginga said. "If they are sacked, will you get a replacement from this area? Kenya is ...