Deputy President William Ruto UDA is facing stiff competition as the Orange party troops into Baringo.
UDA had earlier gained unmatched popularity across Baring but it now seems to be encountering a slow puncture.
“ODM is now here. We are fully rejuvenated and well-organised, like no time before, to ensure Raila Odinga wins the presidential election in August," county party chairman Wesley Lekakimon said.
He brought 60 leaders, including youth and woman from across the six subcounties, for a strategy meeting at ODM headquarters in Marigate, Baringo South, on Tuesday.
The county is also strongly supportive of Kanu, chaired by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi in the Azimio coalition.
Baringo made history earlier as the first county to oppose and vote against the Building Bridges Initiative constitutional amendment bill. It was supported by Raila and opposed by Ruto.
However, the majority Pokots in Tiaty and the Ilchamus in Baringo South are strong supporters of Azimio. This division creates a scenario whereby Raila and Ruto might share votes 50-50.
ODM supporters pledged to embark on campaigns to ensure Raila gains popularity countywide.
Lekakimon, who is also an MCA aspirant for Ilchamus ward in Baringo South, said so far the party has more than 50 aspirants. They are eyeing all electoral seats, including senator, MP, MCA and Woman Representative.
"More are still joining in," he said.
Lekakimon said more than 60 mainstream party officials are stationed in all subcounties, including every polling station.
"As you can see, our party is extremely organised," he said.
Lekakimon said they will start serious campaigns once UDA has completed party nominations in April.
"With us in ODM, all our aspirants are just awarded direct tickets,” he said.
“We have enough time to campaign for our presidential candidate Raila and several other ODM leaders in other seats," Lekakimon said.
The chairman called upon the residents to campaign peacefully.
“There should be no fights, intimidation of aspirants or tearing posters. People should coexist, campaign freely and each and everyone should be respected as they elect their leaders of choice” Lekakimon said.
He called upon the government to swiftly improve security in banditry areas to protect lives and property.
He said the worst-hit and most volatile areas are Yatya, Chepkesin, Ng’aratuko, Mukutani, Arabal, Mochongoi, Noosukro, Kasiela and Chemorongion in Baringo North and Baringo South.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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