Karachuonyo MP James Rege has shelved his third term reelection bid to campaign for President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Rege said he made the move since the Jubilee leadership has tasked him with campaigns in Nyanza and western.
"I saw it wise to shelve my ambition after I was granted a mandate of leading the Jubilee campaign team in Nyanza and Western."
Speaking to Star on phone on Sunday, Rege expressed his commitment to deliver votes to Jubilee from the opposition stronghold.
He said this was among the issues he discussed with President Kenyatta during the national drama festivals in Kisumu last week.
Uhuru was at the lakeside town, a perceived ODM stronghold, for the 58th edition of the festival's gala.
"I will try my best and sell Jubilee agenda to the people. I believe we will win their hearts and form the government together," Rege said.
Last week, Rege told journalists he was going to defend his seat as an independent candidate.
The legislator was elected through ODM in 2007 and in 2013 but later broke ranks with party leader Raila Odinga.
Rege openly campaigned for Philip Okundi (Maendeleo Democratic Party) against Senator Moses Kajwang (ODM).
This was during the Homa Bay senator by-election which Kajwang won on February 12, 2015.
"My differences with ODM were based on ideologies. ODM could not practice the democracy it stands for," Rege said.
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Since then, the legislator has been working closely with Jubilee administration, even attending its events.
Due to his move, Rege was viewed as a rebel by fellow legislators in Nyanza but he said the move is aimed at helping residents on development matters.
"People from Nyanza region are taxpayers like other Kenyans. Our people deserve better services from government hence my close relations with Jubilee."
The exit of Rege from the Karachuonyo MP race has been seen as beneficial to some 18 hopefuls who are seeking to unseat him through ODM.
The party will conduct its nominations on Monday amid fears that the issues witnessed are likely to replay in the county.
Ex-Standard reporter Anderson Ojwang’, Seth Okuthe, David Arunga, Obel Nyanja, and Adipo Okuome are among those eying the seat.
The race has also attracted Tom Dola, George Rachuonyo, Elijah Kodo, Dan Oliech, Boaz Oruku, Ofafa Dede, Evance Asiyo, Yugi Agure, Steve Odidi, and Lazarus Adhu.
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