Eala MP Omar quits ODM, to vie for Balambala seat on Ford Kenya ticket

East African Legislative Assembly MP Abdikadir Omar will contest the Balambala Parliamentary seat on a Ford Kenya ticket.

The former ODM member and ally of party leader Raila Odinga said he made the decision after consultations with the people of Balambala.

Omar spoke on Sunday while addressing his supporters in Saka, Garissa. 

His announcement ends months of speculation from his supporters after sending mixed signals on his loyalty to the ODM party.

The aspirant had missed several party meetings and campaign rallies including Raila's visit to Garissa last October.

In February, Omar said in a Facebook post that ‘Nothing is permanent except Allah’, an indication that he was decamping.

In the 2017 election, Omar lost to Omar Shurie of Jubilee before being nominated by ODM to represent the country in EALA.

Omar said the people of Balambala are clear on their presidential candidate in the August polls.

He said it is Deputy President William Ruto who has the best interest of the region at heart.

“A leader must always be ready to champion the wishes and aspirations of his people. I wonder why some aspiring leaders from Northern Kenya are crowding themselves in Azimio. I left Azimio when I realised that they have no plans for this region,” Omar said.

He said Azimio leaders want to cut revenue allocation because the people's priorities are not in their agenda.

"We represent our people and not our personal interests. I besiege you to open your eyes,” Omar said.

The aspirant said Ruto stood by them in protecting their interest during the revenue sharing struggle in Parliament.

He said he (Ruto) is the man who deserves the region’s votes.

“I will always be on the side of the people of Kenya and in particular the marginalised north, even if I become alone in that course,” Omar said.

He said the electorate should make informed choices at the ballot.

“Let us look through the list of the candidates and always ask ourselves why this person? What are they saying (policy), do they seem to have the competence? ” Omar said.

He said if voters are honest in answering these questions, they will elect good leaders and have better days ahead.

The aspirant is priding himself as having initiated several development projects during his tenure as MP.

Others eyeing the Balambala Parliamentary seat include Issa Yarrow, who was picked by the Awdhaq council of elders, Ismail Arale and Yarrow Aress.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)