Eric Juma @PeopleDailyKe
Siaya politics are yet again headed for a storm after influential Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo and his cousin and nominated MP Oburu Odinga bid support for different candidates in the county’s governor seat race.
Midiwo is a major critic of incumbent Governor Cornel Rasanga while Oburu has vowed to ensure his re-election. Speaking at St Stephen ACK Church in Bondo, Midiwo said he was working on “a formidable line-up that will dislodge Rasanga in 2017 because he has failed to deliver and fight corruption” in his administration.
“Rasanga has failed to fix the graft menace that has sunk the county to its lowest ebb and the way out is sacking him through votes in the 2017 polls,” he said.
The legislator said Cord leader Raila Odinga’s struggle for devolution was to change people’s livelihoods but not to enrich a few individuals, adding that “he will stand firm to ensure Rasanga and his leadership does not continue swindling public funds”.
“I have declared not to support Rasanga due to the many scandals dogging his administration and we are in consultation on forming a formidable force with a strong leader that will face Rasanga at the ballot box,” he said. But speaking at the same function, Dr Oburu vowed to help Rasanga defend the seat against what he called “power hungry politicians” who are after the control of billions of shillings going to the county.
“Those interested in the seat are not fighting for the interests of common mwananchi but are out to fulfill their selfish interests and we won’t allow them,” he said.
Oburu said he will not let elected leaders to cause tension in Siaya now that Raila is making his last stab at the presidency. “We have resolved to give all elected leaders space to deliver campaign pledges but some individuals have become a headache to those in power,” said Oburu, adding that Rasanga will have to complete his projects before they opt for another leader.
Rasanga has, however, dared Midiwo to face him with his “formidable alliance”. “People on the ground have felt devolution directly or indirectly and I don’t think they will abandon me in the hour of need,” he said.
The leadership wrangles witnessed in 2013 elections are likely to dominate the 2017 polls in which Midiwo campaigned against Oburu which saw James Orengo capture the seat before the party nominated Oburu to the National assembly.
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