Former police spokesperson Charles Owino has picked Rose Midiwo as his running mate in the 2022 Siaya gubernatorial race.
Rose is the widow to former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo.
Owino’s choice of a running mate from Gem is significant to his candidature and is meant to woo the people to support him.
He made the announcement on Sunday during a fundraiser at Uriri sub-location in Gem.
During the fundraiser, a section of professionals and leaders, led by Kisumu city manager Abala Wanga, endorsed Owino for the governor position.
“We have decided to throw our weight behind you because we believe you have what it takes to steer Siaya to greater heights,” Abala said.
Jalang'o Midiwo, who is the elder brother of the late Jakoyo, promised to work with Owino in his quest to clinch the position.
“We will support you because you are visionary. Siaya needs a technocrat and not a career politician,” he said.
Jalang'o Midiwo is seeking to unseat the current Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo.
Odhiambo floored Jakoyo who had occupied the seat for 15 years in the last election.
Odhiambo is allied to Senator James Orengo’s camp.
Orengo is also seeking to replace Governor Cornel Rasanga who is doing his second and final term in office.
Owino had earlier indicated that he needed a woman to deputise him. He said he would appeal to ODM leader Raila Odinga to appoint Orengo to the Cabinet when he forms government next year.
“Orengo should be working at the national level as a minister. We are optimistic Raila will form the next government,” he said.
He said he will prioritise food security and pledged to revive cotton growing in Rarieda, Alego-Usonga and Gem.
“We will buy 200 tractors that will plough for you in the first season for free. My administration will ensure farmers get certified seeds and fertilisers to boost food production,” he said.
Owino said the Yala swamp will be utilised for fish farming at Lake Kanyaboli and maize production. He urged the National Land Commission not to annex any part of the wetland to a private developer.
Jalang'o, drumming up support for his parliamentary bid, pledged to distribute CDF projects fairly if elected and double bursary allocation to students.
“I will make sure CDF tenders are awarded only to local contractors. However, we must ensure the quality of the projects is not compromised so that people get value for money,” he said.
Jalang'o promised to continue with the development legacy that was left by his late brother who served Gem for 15 years. He asked the police to probe the upsurge of unidentified bodies found in River Yala.
“It is strange that suddenly, more bodies of unknown persons are discovered almost daily, floating in the river, some stashed in sacks,” he said.
Between January and October, police collected 14 bodies from various points in the river.
The unclaimed and unidentified bodies were taken to Yala Subcounty Hospital Mortuary.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
