NASA leader Raila Odinga has extended an olive branch to leaders who vied outside of ODM and lost, to consolidate his support in Nyanza.
Raila singled out former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo and former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo who participated in the shambolic ODM nominations before ditching the party to be independent.
He said it is high time political leaders in the region unite as he will face Jubilee Party President Uhuru Kenyatta in a repeat election on October 26.
“Even those who vied as independent candidates are our people. We need them to galvanise support in the region.”
Gumbo and Midiwo are are perceived as having bad blood with the Opposition leader who once dismissed independents and pushed for six-piece voting.
They have petitioned the election of Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo respectively.
The NASA principal said that this time round, leaders who lost in 2013 and in August must come together to ensure 100 per cent voter turnout.
Raila added that all he wants is for them to work together irrespective of political differences that arose before and after last month’s poll.
“We want everybody, including those who vied for various elective posts as independent candidates,” he told a rally at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga grounds in Bondo town on Saturday.
Raila said Siaya recorded 82 per cent voter turnout and that this was lower than the figures in other regions so there is need for concerted efforts, the aim being a turnout of at least 95 per cent.
He noted he does not want to hear that people failed to vote because of leaders’ “minor political differences”.
The Opposition chief asked his supporters all over the country to prepare for the repeat elections and said he will begin campaigns to push for reforms at IEBC on Tuesday.
He said the National Super Alliance will agree to participate in the poll if their demand are met. They include the removal of commission CEOEzra Chiloba.
Raila was with Rasanga, Senators James Orengo (Siaya) and Fred Outa (Kisumu).
Others were MPs Odhiambo, Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Otiende Amolo (Rarieda), Samuel Atandi (Alego/Usonga), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Chris Karan (Ugenya) and Jackline Oduol (Nominated).
Midiwo, who was also present, said he will criss-cross the county in a hunt for votes for Raila.
On Saturday, Rift Valley tore into Raila saying his demands are geared towards a power-sharing deal with Uhuru.
Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Stephen Sang (Nandi) and several Rift Valley MPs said the fresh election will take place as planned since NASA does not have the capacity to stop it.
Source link-the-star.co.ke
