CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya pitch for Moses Kajwang’

CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya led opposition politicians in campaigning for Moses Kajwang’, the ODM candidate in the Homa Bay senate by-election.

Speaking during rallies in various trading centers in the county yesterday, Wetang’ula charged that the contest for seat was between CORD and Jubilee.

The Senate Minority Leader accused the ruling coalition of sponsoring some candidates on other parties’ tickets. “This race is not between Kajwang’ and other candidates but between Jubilee and CORD. Electing an ODM candidate will enable us to achieve our goal of sending the Jubilee government home,” Wetang’ula said.

The Ford Kenya Leader urged residents of Homa Bay to vote for Kajwang’ in honour of his later brother, Senator Otieno Kajwang’.

He said the late Kajwang’ was a charismatic leader who performed well in the Senate and the political arena and that the best Homa Bay residents could do was to elect his brother. Kajwang’ was hand-picked by ODM to fly the party flag, much to the chagrin of more than 10 aspirants who were interested in the Orange ticket.

“The late Otieno Kajwang’ was my friend with whom we went to school and made significant changes to leadership of this country. We need vote in his brother as a way of gratitude to the family,” added Wetang’ula. ODM chairman John Mbadi used the platform to criticise party MPs opposed to Kajwang’.

Mbadi said the party would take stern measures against Karachuonyo MP James Rege and his Rangwe counterpart George Oner for supporting Maendeleo Democratic Party candidate Philip Okundi.

“Let us support Kajwang’ because this by-election is going to mean a lot for the politics of this county,” Mbadi said.

Senator Elizabeth Ongoro, MPs Tom Kajwang’ (Ruaraka), Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Homa Bay Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, Acting ODM Homa Bay branch chair Monica Amolo and politician Michael Agwanda condemned the recent violence meted on Kajwang’ at a funeral in Kochia, Rangwe.

Another rally to drum support for Kajwang in Kasipul and Kabondo Kasipul constituencies was led by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga, Homa Bay Women Rep Gladys Wanga, her Kisumu counterpart Rose Nyamunga and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.

Oparanya and Magwanga alleged that the government is trying to scuttle  CORD’s support base by sponsoring candidates to defeat ODM. “Let everybody understand that by voting ODM, we will be shunning our enemies,” Oparanya said.

Wentang’ula said Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka will be in Homa Bay today (Sunday) to attend a campaign rally in support of Kajwang’ while ODM leader Raila Odinga will visit the county on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Okundi (Maendeleo Democratic) Hillary Alila (Independent) and Fred Rabongo (National Agenda Party) went on with their campaigns.Okundi, who visited Oyugis town and various parts of Kasipul, promised to utilise his networks to influence disbursement of more devolved funds to Homa Bay County.

Alila attended the burial of businessman Owiti Odede in Kodera, Ragwe, where he promised to use his position to end the perennial water shortage in the county.