Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga has dismissed claims that he is seeking an alliance with Raila Odinga’s eldest daughter, Ms Rosemary Odinga, as his running mate in the next election.
“I take issue with claims that I am seeking to run with Rosemary in 2017. This is speculation aimed to cause unnecessary friction that would hamper service delivery in the county,” said Mr Rasanga on Thursday.
Mr Rasanga said the final decision of who will run for governor and running mate will be made by the ODM party.
PARTY RULES
The governor added that he will adhere to all the ODM party rules.
“The process of nominations for all elective positions solely lies within our party ODM which is guided by very well articulated party procedures and are open for scrutiny by any interested party. I do not have the final say on what the party does,” said Mr Rasanga.
The governor was responding to reports in The Star newspaper on Tuesday that he was seeking Ms Odinga’s hand as a running mate.
And speaking, elsewhere Siaya county deputy Governor Wilson Ouma Onyango vowed to run for the gubernatorial seat in the 2017 elections if Governor Rasanga drops him as the running mate.
THREE MONTHS AGO
Mr Onyango said that he has heard rumours about the Rasanga – Rosemary ticket idea three months ago and he had approached the governor who dismissed the claims.
He also denied any bad blood between him and the governor, adding that they are devoted in delivering services to Siaya residents.
“I will run for the position of the governor 2017 if Rasanga settles for Rosemary as his running mate. I am capable of being a good governor since I have the experience after being the deputy for the past three years,” said Onyango.
-nairobinews.nation.co.ke
