•This, they said, will reduce Raila Odinga's votes from ODM strongholds.
•Their sentiments come at a time when incumbent legislators in ODM are seemingly uniting to isolate aspirants thought of as lesser ODM, or those making their political debut.
Image: File
Two aspirants for the Siaya governor seat have said interference with ODM nominations will hurt Raila Odinga's presidential bid.
Lawyer-cum-businessman George Mbeya and former police spokesperson Charles Owino have said, if the party rigs in unpopular contestants, it will reduce Raila's votes from ODM strongholds.
“If the leaders chosen by the majority will not be given the party ticket, the presidential vote will be affected,” Mbeya said.
Given a fair opportunity at the ballot, the lawyer said he will win the seat because residents want to elect a good manager.
Owino said the incumbents have failed to deliver development to the people, and they are afraid and doing everything possible to get direct nominations.
Their sentiments come at a time when incumbent legislators in ODM are seemingly uniting to isolate aspirants thought of as lesser ODM, or those making their political debut.
In Siaya, incumbent legislators drumming up support for one another include Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), Christine Ombaka (Woman Rep) and Otiende Amolo (Rarieda).
The team is also campaigning for Oburu Odinga to become senator and James Orengo for governor.
Owino urged the ODM’s election board to preside over free, fair and credible party primaries next month.
“If rigged out of the party, I will vie as an independent, give them a run for their money and beat them,” Owino told the Star on the phone.
While citing some members in the 11th Parliament, ODM chairman James Mbadi said the current MPs gave them an easy time as a party.
“They were not moles like some are. They deserve re-election now that Odinga is forming the next government. He will need stronger MPs for the legislative processes,” Mbadi said on the phone.
He said the truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila would not have come to fruition had some of the ODM legislators opposed it.
“The President is happy to endorse Odinga as his successor because our MPs stood by him when his deputy was tormenting his Jubilee ship from within,” Mbadi said.
He described new entrants into various races as these Johnny-come-lately who appear to have retired and now coming for salaries to hang on.
It is widely believed there are preferred aspirants for the ODM ticket in Nyanza. This, has been made popular by Ohangla artiste MC Ageke Jachina.
“In Nyanza, I know those that will be declared winners of the political contests,” Ageke says.
In his controversial song title ‘Agwambo Emidhilandi’ (Odinga is going to be declared winner), Ageke says Orengo, Anyang’ Nyong’o, Gladys Wanga, Ochillo Ayacko will be declared winner for Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori governor positions.
Ageke says Oburu, Tom Ojienda and Moses Kajwang will win the senatorial seats in Siaya, Kisumu and Homa Bay.
The musician says Otiende, Junet Mohammed, Paul Abuor and Wandayi will win the Rarieda, Suna East, Rongo and Ugunja parliamentary races.
He concludes that contestants in Nyanza should not jostle for the ODM certificate because it will jeopardise Raila's chances of at the presidential ballot.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris