BY FELIX OLICK
Former Internal Security Assistant minister Orwa Ojode’s widow has presented her nomination papers to ODM ahead of the September 17 Ndhiwa parliamentary by-election.
Mrs Mary Ojode said her decision to run was informed by the desire to complete projects initiated by her husband.
“I feel I have a responsibility to complete the projects that my late husband left behind. The projects were aimed at changing the lives of Ndhiwa constituents and that’s what I stand for,” she said.
Speaking to journalists at Orange House in Nairobi on Tuesday, Mrs Ojode cited projects including installation of solar panels in all homesteads within the constituency and completion of roads under construction.
She was accompanied by her son Andrew and some Ndhiwa constituents. Mrs Ojode warned against favouritism during the nomination and called for a free, fair and transparent process.
“Why should I be favoured by the party? I am confident of a win because I have been on the ground. The people are very receptive and the support is overwhelming,” she said.
She decried the politics played by some of her opponents, saying they still believe in mudslinging. Mrs Ojode is banking on her development agenda to woo voters.
She insisted her choice to run for the by-election on an ODM party ticket was not because her late husband was in the party but the good policies and ideology.
The Ndhiwa parliamentary seat has attracted more than 20 aspirants. ODM’s Director of Elections Joseph Misoi said they will make public the list of aspirants today and promised fair nominations.
Former Ndhiwa MP Tom Obondo has also declared interest in the seat.
