Homa Bay Senate seat belongs to Suba, ODM told

The Abasuba community want the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to honour a power-sharing agreement made among Homa Bay leaders.

Chairman of the Suba council of elders Gwassi Region Valentine Odienge said the senatorial seat ticket should be given to a candidate from Suba region as per the 2013 general election agreement.

The pact stipulated how county political seats were supposed to be shared among three regions in the county, which enabled the late Otieno Kajwang' clinch the seat.

Addressing journalists at Seka Primary School in Suba sub-county, the elders said the agreement had not expired, hence it would be better if a candidate from Suba wins the seat in the forthcoming by–election.

"Being the most popular party in this region, I want to appeal to the ODM elections board to give this certificate to a candidate from Suba region. This because the late Senator Kajwang's term has not come to an end," said Odienge.

He said giving the certificate to a candidate from Suba would help maintain harmonious co-existence among residents living in the county.

"We are confident that the sons of Suba who are in the race are qualified and have the desired qualities to represent the interest of Homa Bay residents in the Senate," said Clement Margot, a member of the council.

The elders told ODM's elections board to evaluate the five candidates from the region, and accord the best one the certificate.

Those who are contesting the seat from Suba region are former aide to the CORD Leader Raila Odinga, Caroli Omondi and Silus Jakakimba, businessman George Mboya, Senator Kajwang's brother Moses Kajwang' and Fred Rabong'o.

The power-sharing agreement was made in such a way that the gubernatorial post goes to Rachuonyo region, where Governor Cyprian Awiti hails from, as Homa Bay region has Women Rep Gladys Wanga and Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata.