Mr William Oduol has decamped from ODM and gets National Agenda Party of Kenya (Nap-K) ticket to vie for Siaya County Governor seat.
Mr Oduol’s move follows the botched ODM primaries at the county, which subsequently led to cancellation of the results by the party’s National Executive Board.
He was the key rival to immediate former Bondo MP Oburu Oginga.
Mr Oduol said he was issued a certificate by Nap-K on January 18, and therefore he did not expect to be disqualified by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“I would like to thank the people of Siaya for coming out during the primaries and voting peacefully. I would also like to thank the whole country for staying steadfast with me especially after the primaries. We all saw what happened and Kenyans know my victory was taken away from me, but the good news is that we shall be at the ballot on March 4,” he said.
He said he is not bothered by perceptions that ODM was the party to watch in the region, saying that voters in Siaya are well informed and will vote according to what a leader has to offer, rather than according to party affiliations.
However, he was quick to add that he still supports Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for presidency.
His lawyer, Mr Dismas Odhiambo Wakla, raised concern over his security and that of his client.
According to Mr Wakla, he was threatened through a phone call made to him from a concealed number on Saturday.
“A male voice addressed me and said, ‘Wakla, you are our man. Leave Oduol alone or you will not finish his case’,” he said, adding that he would report the matter to the police.
He called on security agencies to offer his client and himself maximum security, and the Law Society of Kenya to keep vigil on its members who are representing politicians.
He also said the IEBC has failed to upload Nap-K’s nominees list despite fulfilling all requirements, and threatened to take the matter to court on Monday if it will not have been uploaded by 9am.
The party’s national chairman Alfayo Alfonze Agufana said Nap-K is not affiliated to any coalition and does not support any presidential candidate.
Mr Agufana said all aspirants vying through the party’s ticket are free to campaign for any presidential candidate that they prefer.
Source:nation.co.ke
