For the second day running, Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga on Thursday, November 10, camped at Parliament to rally lawmakers to support her bid for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Winnie, the last-born child to ODM leader Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is among the six candidates nominated for the Arusha-based parliamentary seat.
Their nominations elicited sharp criticism from a section of Kenyans who accused the former vice president and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of using their communities for selfish gains.
Analysts further faulted Raila and Kalonzo for not awarding their party members who seriously campaigned for their party but opted to field their children.
However, the duo while drumming up their support for EALA positions urged Kenyans not to view them as sons and daughters of the dynasties but as ordinary citizens.
“Everybody is somebody’s son or daughter. One day you will just call me Winnie. What I am urging our leaders in parliament is that please, vote for me. Look at me in the context of my ability to serve,” Winnie Odinga said.
While campaigning for his candidature, Kalonzo Musyoka’s son who is seeking to retain his seat at the EALA said Kenya has disadvantaged itself due to the fact that it usually sends new teams every time.
He said having been at the Arusha-based parliament for the last five years, it would be better if the lawmakers consider him for the second time.
“I believe having now learned the ropes, I want to focus on private member Bills at the regional House. Kenya has always had the tendency of sending a whole new team which then means they start from a position of disadvantage,” he said.
Winnie Odinga who is seeking to succeed his uncle Oburu Odinga will battle it out with businessman Suleiman Shahbal, Mohamed Diriye, Timothy Bosire, Beatrice Askul, and Justus Kizito.
