Siaya gubernatorial aspirants change tack ahead of poll

By LAWRENCE ALURU

Siaya County: With less than ten days to the Siaya gubernatorial by-election, aspirants have resorted to door-to-door campaigns, with each trying to outplay the other.

William Oduol and his running mate Stevescott Ondiek said their government would be all-inclusive.

“I will work hand in hand with the people of the county and my government will not look at political differences but focus only on development,” said Mr Oduol.

Oduol said the only way to go was the “scientific method”, which he is employing in his campaign. “Using this method will enable us capture all the areas I did not win votes from during the March 4 polls,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement’s candidate Cornel Rasanga exuded confidence that he is the man to beat in the race.

Rasanga, who started off with rallies, has also resorted to door-to-door campaigns.

Lately, Cord leader Raila Odinga, Siaya Senator James Orengo and all the MPs in the region have not been seen to be actively involved in the campaigns.

Rasanga admitted he was finding it difficult to campaign alone, but hoped he would be re-elected to enable him complete the projects he had initiated. “I’m sure I’ll win the Makueni way as all the MPs from the region will be back in the county to campaign for me,” he said.

Both Oduol and Rasanga advocated for a peaceful election, saying that the people of Siaya remain brothers and sisters even after the polls.

Win race

At the same time, Dr Noah Migudo Winja, who is an independent candidate, said he was the most qualified to develop the county. “After moving around the county for the last two weeks, I’m sure to win the Siaya race without any hardship,” he said.

As a lawyer and medic who has lived in Denmark for the last 20 years, he said his vision for the county was to see the youth’s education uplifted.

Winja has nominated his niece, Mercy Winja, as his running mate, saying he did not have time to vet anyone else.