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Governor Wycliffe Oparanya says ODM and Democratic Action Party of Kenya have decided to work together ahead of the polls.
- But some DAP-K aspirants have threatened to support Kenya Kwanza rivals if they are unfairly forced out of the race.
Image: HILTON OTENYO
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition team in Western Kenya will now focus on zoning for MCA aspirants to ensure it wins majority seats in the August 9 polls.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the head of Azimio campaigns in Western, said ODM and Democratic Action Party of Kenya have resolved to work together ahead of elections.
Oparanya said opinion polls will be conducted next month to pick out the most popular ward rep aspirants, who will be fronted as the coalitions's flag bearers to guarantee victory.
“As Azimio, we have many aspirants and we have decided to come together, if we aim to win many seats,” Oparanya said after meeting opinion leaders at his Likuyani residence on Monday.
DAP-K deputy leader Ayub Savula and Likuyani ODM parliamentary aspirant Innocent Mugabe were present.
A week ago, Savula and ODM Kakamega governor aspirant Fernandez Barasa struck a deal, where the Lugari MP will deputise Barasa to avoid siblings rivalry that can cost the coalition seats it could win.
The two parties pledged to share the Kakamega government equally if elected.
Nominated Senator Naomi Shiyonga, who was to run for Kakamega Woman Representative seat on the DAP-K ticket, has been asked to drop her bid and support the incumbent, Elsie Muhanda.
However, some DAP-K aspirants have threatened to support Kenya Kwanza rivals if they are unfairly forced out of the race.
Oparanya said Azimio had already notified parliamentary aspirants of the opinion poll.
While addressing supporters in Central Kenya three weeks ago, Azimio presidential nominee Raila Odinga said the outfit had agreed to allow all aspirants to campaign for one month and then identify popular hopefuls who will fly the coalition's flag.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)