Homa Bay ODM aspirants have come up with a new campaign approach by seeking endorsements and support from teachers.
The tactic is meant to help them consolidate their support base.
Some ODM aspirants in the county, including ODM governor aspirant Gladys Wanga, are facing tough competition from independent hopefuls.
Independent aspirants, led by former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, have tilted the ground in their favour as they claim they were rigged out in last month's party primaries.
But ODM ticket holders have gone all out to counter the gains made by independent candidates.
Wanga and her running mate Oyugi Magwanga, Senator Moses Kajwang and nominee for woman representative, Joyce Osogo, are now meeting teachers to endorse their line-up.
They have already met teachers from Kabondo Kasipul, Ndhiwa, Karachuonyo and Suba North constituencies. Homa Bay has eight constituencies.
“Teachers are the best ambassadors and play a pivotal role in policymaking and implementation. We want to approach this election by reading from the same page,” Wanga said.
She said they are presenting their manifesto to teachers from early childhood education, primary and secondary schools.
Wanga spoke in Jabali near Ringa market in Kabondo Kasipul constituency on Saturday.
“We’re making commitment with teachers that what we have agreed on will be implemented. Through these meetings we also see them voting for ODM candidates,” she said.
On Saturday, Kuppet executive secretary Stephen Yogo and his Knut counterpart for Rachuonyo branch, Eliud Ombori, resolved to support Wanga and other ODM candidates.
They argued that Wanga’s policies suited the interests of residents.
Yogo said teachers had made adequate consultations before arriving at the decision.
“Following wide consultations with various stakeholders, teachers have resolved to support Wanga’s gubernatorial bid because her government will promote education and transform the lives of residents,” he said.
Ombori said their resolutions should not be taken for granted.
“What we have read is the voice of the teachers,” he said.
Wanga thanked the teachers for their declaration and promised to promote healthcare, education, agriculture and trade to empower residents if elected.
“Persistent health workers strike, which bedevils the health sector in this county, will be a thing of the past when I become governor,” she promised.
Wanga dismissed allegations that she had reserved the positions of county secretary and CECs to be occupied by some members of Governor Cyprian Awiti’s cabinet.
“All positions in my government will be distributed to fresh blood. None has been reserved for anybody,” she said.
Magwanga said they are going to establish standard ECDE classrooms.
“We are also going to enhance remuneration of ECDE teachers for better service delivery,” he said.
