ODM leaders in Kwale have dismissed insinuations that the region is fully supporting the ruling Jubilee
coalition.
They said the mere fact that Governor Salim Mvurya ditched ODM for the camp does not mean the region is now pro-Jubilee.
Benjamin Tayari, an MP aspirant who is among organisers of a two-day tour by ODM leader Raila Odinga, said the region will back the latter until he wins the presidency.
"Kwale county cannot back Jubilee just because of one person. The region is among those which have been marginalised by the past and current government. The only solutions to our issues is helping ODM taking over leadership," he said.
He said they will back Raila since he is best-placed to deal with historical injustices meted on residents by past regimes.
"The Jubilee government cannot be trusted to solve issues of Kwale people because they have not done anything so far," he added.
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Tayari said that he will oust the Jubilee MP Gonzi Rai (Kinango) as
the legislator has failed his constituents.
"People have faith in me and Cord. That is why they are going to vote me in so that they can benefit," he said.
"We have a roads which have not been tarmacked since independence despite Kinango leaders working with the government."
Mvurya's defection to Jubilee has left county assembly members, leaders and locals in the area divided.
Those opposing Mvurya's move claim the Jubilee administration cannot be trusted especially on the issues of land and development in the region.
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Lunga Lunga parliamentary hopeful and Mwereni MCA Kassim Pojjo said Mvurya should not expect support from Kwale people in his re-election bid.
Raila is expected to meet elders and address supporters in rallies. He will attend Nominated
Senator Agnes Zani's homecoming celebration at Baraza Park on Friday.
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Kwale ODM secretary Omar Boga said all was set for the opposition leader's tour and further refuted claims that the party had fronted candidates to succeed Mvurya.
It has been earlier intimated that Plan International country director Issah Chipera was being tipped to take over from Mvurya.
"We will conduct fair nominations. We want ODM to invite all aspirants so that the best candidate is decided on," Boga said.
Sammy Ruwa, Mwachai Mwarapayo and Chipera are among those who will compete to fly ODM's flag.