Inside Politics

Oparanya says ‘Azimio La Umoja’ has unveiled sound election strategy

Monday, January 24th, 2022 09:15 | By
Council of Governors chair Wycliffe Oparanya. Photo/PD/FILE

Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya says ‘Azimio La Umoja’ has unveiled a strategy that would ensure it clinches majority of elective seats in this year’s elections.

Oparanya said their plan was to conduct joint nominations for all parties in the coalition.

He said the move would ensure they deliver a majority of governors, senators, MPs and MCAs for their presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

He pointed out they were working on ensuring all parties supporting the ‘Handshake’ joined ODM and Jubilee in ‘Azimio La Umoja’ and work out on a formula for joint nominations.

Speaking in Mumias East constituency, in Kakamega County where he took campaigns to drum up support for Raila on Saturday, Oparanya assured aspirants that there would be free, fair and transparent primaries.

He was accompanied by Kakamega Women Representative Elsie Muhanda, MCAs and aspirants eyeing the area parliamentary seat.

Incumbent MP Benjamin Washiali has declared he would not be defending the seat in the next polls after serving for 15 years.

Serve two terms

Washiali, a former Jubilee party Chief Whip in the National Assembly, has also suggested that the constitution be amended to compel MPs serve for a maximum of two terms.

Oparanya said ‘Azimio’s’ target was to ensure that they had numerical strength in both Senate, National and County assemblies after the August 9 polls.

He added that to achieve this goal they would conduct joint nominations and put in place mechanisms to avert fallout.

The governor said he was a principal in ‘Azimio’ and that he would use the position to ensure that aspirants from his Western home turf were subjected to free and fair nominations so as to deliver more seats from the region.

He added that the coalition had gained ground in the region after Raila launched his bid for the top seat.

Oparanya poured cold water on ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi’s stab at the Presidency.

He said Mudavadi would not make any impact because “he has joined the race very late.”

The governor reiterated that the battle for State House had narrowed to Deputy President William Ruto and Raila.

He asked members of the Luhya community to rally behind Raila so that they could be part of his government.

“Let us support Raila and be part of his administration. We cannot realise any meaningful development if we remain in the opposition,” he added.

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