Kidero backs ODM rival for Homa Bay

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero Tuesday, contrary to his ODM party, declared support for former Rangwe MP Philip Okundi in the Homa Bay senatorial by-election.

The move by Dr Kidero is likely to spark tension between him and Orange leader Raila Odinga as they back different candidates ahead of the February 12 by-election.

Mr Okundi’s ticket is the Maendeleo Democratic Party, while Mr Odinga is supporting late Senator Otieno Kajwang’s brother Moses, who was directly nominated by the ODM’s National Elections Board.

Dr Kidero last month took part in a joint press conference with Mr Odinga and promised to support Mr Kajwang’, but yesterday, he said that after much consultation with both elected and aspiring leaders, youth, church leaders and elders from the county, he had settled on the experienced Mr Okundi as the ideal candidate.

Mr Odinga and Dr Kidero have been holding differing views, mostly on the party’s stand.

The governor comes from the county and has been participating in various development projects in the area.

Dr Kidero, who was speaking in Nairobi after a meeting with leaders from Homa Bay who had paid him a courtesy call, said that after lengthy deliberations with stakeholders, he had concluded that it was worthless to support a candidate whose nomination was in question.

COST SEATS

“The problem with those entrusted with the ODM party leadership is that they hardly learn from our past mistakes. The nominations’ debacle has cost us numerous seats in the past and it’s high time we dealt with the issue once and for all and allow the people’s choice to be elected rather than impose unpopular candidates on the electorate.

The county boss also criticised ODM Chairman John Mbadi accusing him of talking too much while doing nothing to help Mr Odinga’s party gain more numbers.

But Mr Mbadi maintained that Orange MPs opposing the party’s choice were indisciplined and must be punished.