Home » James Orengo denies being ODM’s preferred candidate in Siaya gubernatorial race

James Orengo denies being ODM’s preferred candidate in Siaya gubernatorial race

by Nderi Caren

Senator James Orengo has denied reports that ODM is creating room for him in the Siaya gubernatorial race.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 12, Orengo denied being ODM’s preferred candidate in the Siaya gubernatorial race.

This is after a report on the Daily Nation that ODM officials convinced Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi to step out of the race and give room for James Orengo.

Senator James Orengo has denied reports that ODM is creating room for him in the Siaya gubernatorial race.
Senator James Orengo has denied reports that ODM is creating room for him in the Siaya gubernatorial race. Photo: Orengo/Facebook

While responding to the report, Orengo said ODM has preferred candidate in the Siaya Gubernatorial race.

“As far as I am aware ODM has not conducted any nominations and there are no preferred candidates in Siaya County or elsewhere. Over the years even the most senior ODM party officials have had to go through the party nomination processes and I believe this will not change,” read part of his statement.

Orengo further dis-associated himself from the Siaya gubernatorial race that he has been rumored to be eyeing in the 2022 General Election.

“On my part I have not declared the seat I will contest for in next years’ general elections. I also want to confirm that I’m not in any contrived line-up of candidates and condemn any such moves to stifle democracy within the party,” he said.

The report on Daily Nation further detailed that the plan to have Opiyo drop out of the race was also supported by Raila Odinga’s brother Oburu, who is eyeing the Siaya Senatorial position.

On his part, ODM chairman of elections Junet Mohamed had earlier said he partly influenced Opiyo’s decision to step down.

“We are building consensus everywhere, people who can step down for others are encouraged. All over the country there are people who have shown interest for various seats and as a party we want to see a mechanism to carry everybody on board. We want to encourage talks so that the best person gets the ticket,” Junet said.

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