- Obado said he is now working to popularise his People’s Democratic Party.
- His party will field candidates for all positions except the presidency, he said.
Image: AURA RUTH
Migori Governor Okoth Obado has said he is yet to support any presidential candidate for next year’s general election.
Obado, who is a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, said he is now working to popularise his People’s Democratic Party.
On Saturday, Obado opened a PDP office in Mombasa’s Changamwe area, where he said his association with DP Ruto or any other political leader is not a crime.
“The freedom of association is enshrined in our Constitution, so if any party leader comes in my area and requests me to go and meet them, I do not think that is a crime. I am not campaigning for the Deputy President,” he said.
Governor Obado also dismissed allegations that his PDP no longer exists, saying that the outfit is still alive and independent.
He said that PDP is not a new party because it was formed in 2005 and he got his gubernatorial seat in 2013 through the party.
The PDP office in Changamwe will help popularise the party and enhance administrative efficiency the region.
Obado said the party will field candidates for all the positions across the 47 counties, except for the presidency.
“We will definitely field candidates vying for different elective seats. Therefore if there is any person interested in running for the presidency, they should feel welcome to join the party,” he said.
He assured Kenyans that the party’s nominations will be free, fair and transparent.
“As a party, we want to assure Kenyans that PDP will conduct free, fair and transparent primaries in the coming 2022 polls because we want responsible leaders who will be accountable, respect the electorate and be answerable to common mwananchi,” he said.
The party boss promised that PDP will offer servant leadership, adding that it is the remedy for politics of desperation in Kenya.
“Truth be told, the leading political parties in the country are yet to allow the crop of politicians and leaders that will move this country forward,” he said.
He asked the electorate to vote for leaders who will improve their lives instead of electing people based on party euphoria.
Obado said the party, which is expected to open its regional offices in at least 24 counties ahead of 2022 general elections, will focus on addressing agriculture, poverty and sustainable development.
“We are committed to ensuring that the poor in society are empowered and can lift themselves out of poverty while creating adequate social networks".
The Migori county boss said poverty remains a major issue in the coming general elections and that the PDP will come up with measures to eradicate it.
Obado, whose term as Migori governor is coming to end after serving for 10 years, said his next move is to ensure that PDP is vibrant and offers alternative leadership.
“I want to ensure that I am a leader of a vibrant, democratic and prosperous political party,” he said.
Edited by Henry Makori