ODM to prioritize consensus in picking party candidates for 2022 polls - Raila

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Monday said they will use consensus to pick candidates for the five elective seats in the 2022 polls.

The Opposition Chief said they are devising strategies to prevent chaos and fallouts that have bedevilled the party during nominations.

Speaking when he presided over Wanga Genowa NGAAF Tournament 2021 games organized by Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga at Homa Bay Boys High school, Raila said he does not want a repeat of chaos during primaries.

“We’ll allow all aspirants to first have a consensus among themselves. We will only use other methods if they fail to agree,” Raila said.

The methods will be applied for aspirants seeking to be Members of the County Assembly (MCA), Members of the National Assembly(MNA), Woman Representatives, Members of the Senate and Governors.

 Raila maintained that he will ensure the nomination exercise becomes credible and all aspirants are satisfied with the outcome.

 “We will repeat the voting process as many times as possible to enable every aspirant to feel satisfied,” Raila said.

He further called for peaceful co-existence among aspirants saying they should compete with respect.

Contrary to reports that he had preferred aspirants for the party tickets, Raila noted that he will not endorse anyone for any elective seat in the region.

“I want it known that we don’t have preferred candidates. We want to achieve the six-piece voting pattern. Don’t insult somebody because they are your opponents,” he urged.

The Wanga Genowa NGAAF Tournament brought together a host of leaders including Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang', MPs Ong'ondo Were (Kasipul), Adipo Okuome ( Karachuonyo), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa) and Pamela Odhiambo (Migori).

MP Wanga, who hosted the event, is eyeing the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat.

She set to face off with former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, ODM national chairman John Mbadi, former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga and Homa Bay Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata for the ODM party ticket.

Others in the race are county secretary Isaiah Ogwe, Finance CeC Nicholas K’Oriko, Kuppet secretary-general Akelo Misori, businessmen Louis Ogingo and Jared Kiasa.

“It will be upon Homa Bay people to choose their candidate whether it’s Wanga, Kidero or Mbadi among others. No preferred candidate,” Raila added.

Wanga urged youths to support Raila because his policies will empower them.

“The youth have a capacity of making someone a president in this country. I want you to consider a presidential candidate whose policies can empower you like those of Raila,” Wanga said.

- Edited by Bosco Marita