Kabondo-Kasipul MP Silvance Osele yesterday warned those eyeing his position to prepare themselves for a tough political battle.
Osele said his vision for the constituency cannot be accomplished in five years, so he will seek another term “to complete the development projects I have started”. He urged residents to judge aspirants based on their development record, before electing them to any position.
The legislator told his rivals to stop cheap propaganda and focus on development. He accused 2013 parliamentary losers of tarnishing his track record for selfish gain. “They have sensed defeat,” he said.
Instead, Osele urged the rivals to work with the Homa Bay government to foster economic growth. “We need to unite to improve the lives of residents,” he said. “Many languish in poverty while some leaders are busy politicking.”
He said he will only engage in peaceful and issue-based campaigns once the time comes. Those expected to run for the seat include former Medical Services director Richard Muga, businessman Herbert Ojwang, banker Obonyo Mireri and Homa Bay Agriculture executive Eliud Otieno. Ojwang and Otieno are under pressure to contest but have not declared their interest.
In 2013, Ojwang and Muga vied for the seat on Ford Kenya and Wiper Party, respectively, but lost to Osele. Other candidates were Joseph Adika (UDF) and Geophrey Odhiambo (TNA). Osele garnered 21,223 votes against Muga’s 7,802 and Ojwang’s 3,982. Adika got 69 and Odhiambo had 58 votes.
Muga has said he will run to end “unfair distribution of resources”. Addressing residents at his home in Kakello-Dudi in April, he said the disparity in development results from discrimination. He identified Kokwanyo-Kakello and Kojwach wards in East Kasipul as some of the areas that bear the brunt of inequity.
