Ida tells politicians to stop using Raila name to woo voters
By Eric Juma
ODM leader Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga has cautioned politicians seeking positions in 2022 elections not to drag her family into any political endorsement.
Ida asked the politicians to seek support from voters and desist from using Raila’s name to woo supporters.
She said as a family, they will not impose any leader on the electorate and whoever sails through vigorous campaigns will be awarded the party ticket.
Speaking during the home coming party of nominated Siaya MCA Andrew Omwende (representing interests of people living with disability) at Asango Primary School in Ugunja, Ida said the spirit of democracy is taking control of ODM party.
Bank hopes
She added that just as was witnessed in Kibra, ODM will not accept any rigging or unfair processes to dent the party.
“Those in leadership and are still hoping to seek higher positions or get re-elected must not bank their hopes on us to endorse them but should see to it that the services they are currently delivering have great impact on the electorate, who shall consider their next bids through voting,” she said.
Ida, who was accompanied by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, county Speaker George Okode and some MCAs led by Leader of Majority Peter Odero, said it is the development track record of politicians that would work for them in 2022.
“The era of endorsing non-performing politicians to take up leadership (posts) against wishes of the electorate is over. Anybody interested in senator, governor, MP, women rep or MCA seats must implement services that interest voters for their verdict at the ballot box will be final,” she said.
Ida, an activist and educator, was reacting to comments made by various speakers in the event, urging her to endorse Wandayi for the county governor’s post.
So far Wandayi, Senator James Orengo and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo have openly declared interest in the seat.
Her remarks come only a week after Alego/Usonga ODM leadership cautioned the area MP Samwel Atandi against coercing residents to Orengo’s governor seat bid in 2022.
Waste resources
Led by Jura Koluoch (organising secretary) and Orwenjo Umidha (chairman), the leaders faulted Atandi for allegedly disrespecting Governor Cornel Rasanga by publicly campaigning for Orengo in funeral gatherings yet the seat was yet to be declared vacant.
The leaders, who spoke while meeting Usonga and West Alego ODM party delegates at Duha Primary School last Sunday, accused Atandi of prioritising Orengo’s 2022 agenda instead of championing for the interests of his constituents.
Rasanga, who was the guest of honour at the event, told Atandi to forget 2022 campaigns and join him in strengthening the party in the grass roots.
“The seat is not yet declared vacant and (I) do not see why waste time and resources campaigning now that we should be grappling with legacy projects,” said Rasanga.
