Nyong'o, Marende pull out of ODM polls

ODM Secretary Anyang' Nyong'o (left) and former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende. Photos/FILE

What you need to know:

  • The two leaders said they want to take a break from politics.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o will not defend his position in the coming party elections next month.

The Kisumu Senator made the revelation on Wednesday as former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende also bowed out of the race.

The two leaders said they want to take a break from politics.

“I will not offer my candidature for election at the coming Annual delegates Congress. I urge those aspiring for this position to be civil in their campaigns, conscious of the party constitution and policies,” Prof Nyong'o said.

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The former Emuhaya MP has been largely mooted as a candidate for the party’s chairmanship position which is currently held by former Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey. (READ: Marende, Otuoma to vie for ODM chairmanship)

He however said he is not ready for the task.

“I have declined to take this offer after considering the factors on the table and weighing them against each other. I have opted to take a break from politics for the next two years then I shall tell you what my political future is,” he said.

The two leaders maintained that they would continue to be party members and contribute to its ideals. “I remain a firm believer of the party’s philosophy and its ideals,” Mr Marende added.

They were speaking during a press conference at Orange House, Nairobi also attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.