Migori Governor Okoth Obado has dismissed the recent endorsement of ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency ahead of the 2022 elections by a section of leaders from the Nyanza region.
Obado who ditched ODM to revive the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said that what happened was an ODM party affair and does not reflect the interests of the entire Nyanza region.
“Whatever happened was not a Nyanza declaration but an Orange Democratic Movement affair,” Obado said as quoted by Daily Nation.
The ODM politician, whose relationship with the former Prime Minister has shattered, further argued that the recent endorsement of Raila Odinga for the top seat does not reflect the political mood of the region which has been perceived to be Raila’s turf.
Migori governor further said that not all leaders from the region were involved adding that he will soon bring together all leaders from the region.
“As PDP, we will be having our convention when the COVID-19 containment measures are relaxed to allow us to have political gatherings where we will endorse our candidate in all the seats including the president,” he added.
On Thursday, August 19, a section of Nyanza leaders endorsed former premier Raila Odinga for the presidency.
The leaders, led by Governors Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), and James Ongwae (Kisii), in a joint statement, asked Raila Odinga to declare his candidature for the 2022 presidency.
“We want you to go out there and bring the presidency home. We are giving you our endorsement for the top seat,” the leaders said.
With barely 11 months to the polls, the former Prime Minister is yet to declare his candidature despite the fact that his main rival Deputy President William Ruto has already declared.
It is believed that Raila who is in talks with the leaders of the One Kenya Alliance to unite ahead of the 2022 presidential race was waiting for the outcome of the Building Bridges Initiative bill before he launches his presidential bid.
