Homa Bay county assembly is progressively getting independent MCAs elected in the last three general elections.
The county, which has 40 wards, has seen a fluctuation in the number of MCAs getting elected on ODM despite the party’s dominance in the area.
In 2013, five MCAs entered the county assembly on different party tickets.
In 2017, the county assembly had only one independent candidate, Paul Adika of Lambwe ward in the Suba North constituency.
It also saw John Njira win the West Karachuonyo ward in Karachuonyo constituency on Wiper.
ODM had 38 out of 40 MCAs who were elected.
But in the August 9 general elections the number of independent MCAs increased from one to eight.
The wave has seen an independent MCA candidate win at the ward of ODM national chairman John Mbadi.
Susan Onyango has declared MCA elect for Gwassi South ward.
Onyango outshined the incumbent Nicholas Ayieta of ODM who was defending his seat.
“I won the seat because my agenda was people-centred. I will ensure I do proper representation as I promised,” Onyango said.
Other independent MCAs are Walter Adongo of South Kabuoch ward in Ndhiwa constituency, Tony Otieno (Arujo ward, Homa Bay Town), Samuel Obwana (Homa Bay West ward, Homa Bay Town ).
Paul Odok (Gem East ward, Rangwe), David Odhiambo (Kagan ward, Rangwe ), George Odera (Kibiri ward, Karachuonyo ) and Vikings Bondo (West Kasipu ward, Kasipul).
Political observer Patrick Agwagra said the county assembly keeps getting more independent MCAs candidates because of ODM's poor primaries.
He argued residents who were not satisfied with the party primaries vote for independent candidates.
“We have people who voted for independent candidates to express their dissatisfaction with ODM. That’s why the number has increased,” Agwagra said.
Only nine MCAs managed to retain their seats in the county in the August 9 polls.
They include Michael Nyang’i (Kochia ward), Nicholas Owaka (Kanyamwa Kosewe), Richard Ogindo (Kwabwai), David Oloo (Kanyamwa Kologi), Raphael Odongo (Kasgunga), Jeff Ongoro (Kanyaluo), Bob Obondo (Central Kasipul) and Joan Ogada (Kojwach).
The MCAs will be sworn into office when the county assembly resumes.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
