Loyalty to Raila takes centre stage in Homa Bay campaigns

Rebellion against CORD leader Raila Odinga in South Nyanza, continues to grow as rivalry among candidates for Homa Bay senatorial seat grows.

A number of candidates have come out to condemn ODM candidate Moses Kajwang’ over his statement that his opponents are rebels against the former Prime Minister.

Philip Okundi (Maendeleo Democratic Party), Innocent Masara (Independent), and Medo Misama (Independent) termed the remarks as malice.

Speaking to The Standard on Saturday separately, the candidates said they respect Raila, but they are exercising their democratic right and want the people to have freedom to elect a senator of their choice.

Mr Okundi said his candidature should not be perceived as hatred towards the CORD leader. He cited what he termed as unfairness during ODM nomination, a situation, which forced some of the contestants to go for tickets from other political parties.

“We love Raila, but let nobody mislead the public by playing the game of sycophancy in this seat. The people have decided they are going to elect their senator based on the personality of the candidate rather than a political party,” Okundi said.

Misama and Masara stressed that Raila is not a candidate in the senatorial race. Speaking at Tonga in Suba where he took his campaign, Masara challenged Mr Kajwang’ to sell his policies to the people instead of engaging in antagonistic politics.

“Raila and Moses are different entities. Raila is our leader whom we respect and there is no reason why somebody should keep mentioning Raila’s name in campaigns for a senatorial seat,” Masara said.

Prof Misama described the move as propaganda meant to deter people from electing a senator of their choice.“

“I am opposed to Moses but not Raila,” Misama said.