Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime has ditched the ODM party citing lack of transparency.
Mwadime, who has declared interest in the Taita Taveta governor seat, will vie on the Communist Party of Kenya.
In a statement on Wednesday, the legislator said he desired to see the party excel to greater heights and win many seats.
However, he said the party had failed to uphold fairness in respecting the will of the people and was driven by selfish interest.
“Parties play a critical role in democratic representation, they are meant to adhere, respect the people's will and not serve the interest of few individuals,” Mwadime said.
The governor hopeful said he decided to ditch ODM after consulting residents, whom he said had lost trust in the party for not giving them a chance to choose their leaders.
“I have made a very tough decision to leave a party that I loved. I was hopeful that it would transform Taita Taveta,” the MP said.
The former banker came to active politics in 2013 when he defeated former education assistant minister Calist Mwatela in the Mwatate parliamentary seat on the ODM ticket.
The MP was supposed to battle it out in the primaries with Thomas Mwakwida and Rachael Mwakazi, for the ODM ticket.
Mwadime is ranked among the front runners in the race to unseat Governor Granton Samboja.
The race has attracted 14 candidates.
They are incumbent Governor Samboja, Mwadime, media personality Patience Nyange and former Senator Dan Mwazo.
Others are, former Governor John Mruttu, Rachael Mwakazi, George Mwandembo, Stephen Mwakesi, Elijah Mwandoe, Prof Agnes Mwang'ombe, Faustin Mghendi, Godino Mwasaru and Onsemus Mwinzi.
Insiders within ODM said more aspirants will ditch the party for other Azimio la Umoja affiliated parties ahead of the Friday party-hopping deadline.
ODM county chairman Ginton Mwachofi said the party’s county delegates had resolved to engage the aspirants in dialogue to avert possible division.
He said the party was working to avoid going into primaries.
“We are mandated to hold dialogue with candidates and agree on a flag bearer where possible,” Mwachofi said in an interview.
The primaries, Mwachofi said, were likely to put their plans to consolidate the ODM base in disarray. He said consensus would also save the party.
“Delegates are keen on winning many seats in the August poll. We are therefore prioritising on bringing all our aspirants together before campaigns start,” he said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
