- Kidero said he was not invited to the Nairobi meeting.
- Wanga will be deputised by Magwanga
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has disowned reports of consensus among Homa Bay governor aspirants that resulted in county MP Gladys Wanga being endorsed for the seat.
Kidero said he was not invited to the meeting where all the seven aspirants agreed to sacrifice their bids and back Wanga.
He said he will explore alternative avenues to run as a Governor in the August 9, polls.
“Homa Bay must be left to elect their own personality based on competence and ability. Given the fact that nomination has already been given out obviously locks me out of running on ODM ticket,” Kidero said on phone.
“I was not invited to the meeting and I am not in agreement. In consensus, everybody must agree. I will be exploring alternative avenues to run as a Governor.”
With the window for party hopping closed, it means his only option is to run as an independent candidate.
The former Nairobi boss spoke hours after ODM leader Raila Odinga met seven aspirants who were all seeking to succeed Governor Cyprian Awiti.
They included ODM chairman John Mbadi, Jared Kiasa, former County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe, former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga, Louis Ogingo, Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori and Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata.
“This is a team of leadership from Homa Bay. There are MPs, party officials and more importantly aspirants running for governorship in Homa Bay county. They have had a very extensive consultation at the end of it an agreement has been reached through a way of consensus,” Raila said.
“Out of seven aspirants who are here, they have all agreed to step down to back Wanga as the party candidate. In the same spirit, they have settled on Magwanga as running mate.
“The party has taken note and issued Wanga with a nomination certificate. This is not a direct nomination but a consensus. Members now have a responsibility to go and campaign to ensure the seat remains in ODM,” Raila stated.
Mbadi had earlier this week dropped his bid after he was prevailed upon to support Wanga.