Wako joins ODM, to run for Busia senate seat

Prime Minister Raila Odinga (second left) welcomes former Attorney General Amos Wako (second right) to ODM at Orange House, Nairobi September 27, 2012. Looking on are Local Government Minister Dr Paul Otuoma (left) and Youth Affairs and Sports minister Ababu Namwamba (right)

What you need to know:

  • Mr Wako declares he would be contesting the Busia County senate seat on an ODM ticket.
  • Mr Odinga says ODM not bothered by reports some of its members are planning to ditch the party.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential bid got a major political boost after former Attorney General Amos Wako announced he was joining ODM Thursday.

Mr Wako, who was received by Mr Odinga at a brief ceremony at Orange House, Nairobi also declared he would be contesting the Busia County senate seat on an ODM ticket.

The former AG said that he has been under pressure from the people of Busia to join elective politics since his retirement last year.

“ODM is the party of choice for the people of Busia and my decision has been made after thorough consultations,” Mr Wako stated.

He said his desire to ensure proper constitutional reforms will continue and that the party is the avenue to a realistic implementation of the Constitution.

“Kenyans want a leader who is committed in letter and spirit to the implementation of the new Constitution and the Prime Minister here guarantees that,” Mr Wako stated.

Western Kenya votes

Mr Odinga, who led three ODM ministers in the brief event at the party headquarters, said he was happy to associate with the former AG whose entry into the party is likely to scale up the competition for the western Kenya votes.

“Mr Wako has had a distinguished career in the public service and we are happy that he is joining us today,” said Mr Odinga.

He said ODM was not bothered by reports some of its members are planning to ditch the party.

Mr Odinga said adequate mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the ODM campaign is not undermined by the anticipated defections.

“People are defecting for different reasons. ODM is a free party we cannot stop people from leaving if they have made a decision to do so. While they leave some others will join.”

During the event, Mr Wako was presented with a life membership certificate by the party’s secretary general Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Cabinet ministers Paul Otuoma and Ababu Namwamba and assistant minister Sospeter Ojaamong were also present.