Nairobi, Kenya: Cord leader Raila Odinga has come out to end days of speculation that he would contest in the Homa Bay by-election following mounting pressure from his supporters.
Raila, Monday announced that he would not vie for the seat, a decision he said was arrived at following wide consultations.
Sunday, several elders and politicians gathered in Raila’s Opoda farm in Bondo where they overwhelmingly endorsed him for seat.
Among those who attended the meeting were Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, MPs Shakeel Shabbir (Kisumu East), Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), ODM’s Oburu Oginga (nominated), Mbadi, Mohammed and Anyanga.
Others were party branch officials from the county, Luo Council of Elders from Nyanza led by Ker Willis Otondi and a section of the members of the county assembly from Homa Bay.
The meeting brought together leaders from Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori and Kisumu counties.
The seat fell vacate following the demise of Otieno Kajwang’.
The Homa Bay senate seat has attracted several contesters including Raila’s aide Caroli Omondi, Kenya Professional Boxing Commission chairman Hillary Alila who was second to Kajwang’ in the 2013 General Election, former Rangwe MP Phillip Okundi, businessman Sam Wakiaga, former Gwasi MP Felix Nyauchi, former NSSF Managing Trustee Fred Rabongo, former Sony Sugar Board chairman Herbert Ojwang and Kasipul politician Kenneth Kambona.
The family of Kajwang’ is also considering fielding Moses Kajwang, the younger brother of the late senator to succeed him.
A section of Homa bay residents had earlier this week protested saying the people of Homa Bay should be given a free hand to decide who is going to be their next Senator.
-standardmedia.co.ke
RAILA: I WILL NOT CONTEST HOMA BAY SENATE SEAT
