ODM officials from seven wards in Karachuonyo constituency want leaders to stop promoting clan politics in Homa Bay governor contest.
The officials said some politicians from the greater Rachuonyo region do not want aspirants outside the region to seek votes from the area.
Rachuonyo is a vote rich region since it comprises Karachuonyo, Kasipul and Kabondo Kasipul constituencies. It has more than 190,000 registered voters.
On Friday, the ODM chairmen from seven wards in Karachuonyo told politicians to avoid clan politics in the region.
The officials included Justus Osumba (Kendu Bay), John Omollo (West Karachuonyo), Reuben Akede (Kanyaluo), Joseph Adoyo (Wang’chieng), Tom Ogweno (Kibiri), James Odero (Central Karachuonyo) and Joshua Maena (North Karachuonyo.
They warned that grouping politicians based on clans is detrimental to Homa Bay politics.
Addressing journalists in Homa Bay town, Osumba said the grouping cannot bear fruits if people from other constituencies are left out.
Governor Cyprian Awiti who hails from Karachuonyo is serving his second and last term.
“Governor Awiti got votes across the county. These people who want to segregate Rachuonyo people from other clans must not be allowed to continue with the idea,” Osumba said.
Constituencies outside the region are Ndhiwa, Rangwe, Suba North, Homa Bay Town and Suba South.
They told leaders to engage in politics of ideologies and avoid causing discrimination in the county.
Osumba said they welcomed any candidate eyeing governor post from any constituency to seek votes in Rachuonyo region.
“Let people understand that any candidate with desirable leadership qualities should be voted and become the next governor of Homa Bay,” he said.
Maena urged residents to look at candidates' manifesto and ability to deliver services and not the area they come from.
He said politics of incitement and discrimination had been overtaken by events, adding that there is need for politics of inclusivity to enable Homa Bay people to get a good governor after 2022 General Election.
Odero asked those who refer to others as jadak (non-local) during politics should stop doing so.
Those who have declared their candidature for the governor post include Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, county secretary Isaiah Ogwe, businessman Jared Otieno, Louis Oginga, former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga, former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Kuppet secretary general Akelo Misori and ODM national chairman John Mbadi.
-Edited by SKanyara
