Raila to tour Nyanza turf to forestall ODM fallout
Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga will return to Nyanza this weekend to stem animosity caused by the recent party nominations. His allies said he will attempt to forestall fallouts in the region.
In most areas, the party issued direct tickets to aspirants considered popular, triggering protests from those overlooked. A number of them have since quit the party and will be vying as independents.
Kisumu presidential campaign team chairman Abdul Omar said the meeting with Raila is aimed at calming tempers after the nominations.
“We want everyone who participated in the ODM primaries to rise above the challenges and focus on the good ahead,” he said.
Those who were handed ODM tickets in Kisumu are Governor Anyang Nyong’o, (direct ticket), Prof Tom Ojienda (Senate), Ruth Odinga (Woman Rep), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West), Jared Okello (Nyando) and James Nyikal (Seme).
Others are Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), and Onyango Koyoo (Muhoroni).
Only Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda lost in the nominations. He has since quit the party and will vie as an independent. In Nyando, elders have been reconciling rival aspirants.
Led by Rev Henry Ogallo of the Apostolic Church, the elders have asked those aggrieved by the recent party primaries to shun protests. “We want you to forgive one another and remain loyal to Raila’s cause,” said Ogallo.
