Oburu steps down for Orengo in senate race

Finance assistant minister Oburu Oginga has given up his quest for the Siaya County senator’s post.

This has paved the way for Lands Minister James Orengo to seek the Orange party’s ticket to vie for the seat.

In a statement signed by 12 leaders from the county, Dr Oginga will now seek to vie for governor through ODM.

Embroiled in tussle

The two have been embroiled in a tussle over who should vie for senator, a move that had threatened the party’s stability and grassroots support in the county.

Speaking at Orange House in Nairobi, the two said they had to come to an agreement for the sake of the party and the country.

“In the interest of peace, my honourable desire is neither here nor there. This consensus is the best solution for this problem, my happiness notwithstanding,” said Dr Oginga.

He said he could serve as governor, given his wide skills and experience in managing public finances and resources both before and during his 19-year tenure as MP for Bondo.

On his part, Mr Orengo said the decision was not meant to stir up celebrations for anyone since they both realised they can offer much more service to the county and the country at large if they put aside their differences and worked together.

“There are times when you may have individual ambitions, but if you value your party and your country more, you have to put aside your differences and find the best solution,” he said.

However, he added that other politicians interested in vying for the two seats could still apply and face off in the party nominations.

Political differences between the two had stirred up emotions among party supporters and politicians from the county, with the camps backing each of them openly clashing during party rallies.

The notable leader of the Orengo camp was Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, whereas his Rarieda counterpart, Nicholas Gumbo, seemed to be leading the Oburu camp.

Both Mr Midiwo and Mr Gumbo did not attend the press briefing.