MPs, youth to back Joho in party polls

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI and JOSEPH MASHA

Several Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs and youth groups in Coast Province have resolved to support Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho for position of deputy party leader.

Joyce Wanjala Lay, an MP in Taita-Taveta County, disclosed that legislators met recently and agreed to back Joho for the top position.

Youths affiliated to ODM in Kilifi County have vowed to support Hassan Joho in the next month’s elections.

They further said their favourite candidate for the post of party secretary general post is Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro.

Led by county ODM youth leader Mr Mwamboza Mwasambu, they said ODM needed to get new leaders who could easily sell the party to the people.

Mwasambu, also ODM national treasurer for the youth league, said party delegates should be allowed to elect leaders of their choice.

Speaking in Kilifi yesterday, Mwasambu said Joho is an energetic youth with a vision to spur the party to popularity.

He said the Orange party needs to be reformed to have the face of the nation so that people can have faith and trust in its leadership.

Mwasambu said the party stands to win the 2017 General Election if new leadership will be put in the national office.

Ms Lay, however, said they were yet to agree to support Nominated Senator Agnes Zani who is seeking the secretary general’s seat.

“We have decided to support Joho because he met us and asked for our votes. Dr Zani is yet to meet us,” said Lay.

The woman representative made the remarks in Mwatate town yesterday when she presented cheques worth more than Sh700,000 to bright students from poor families in the region.

Eighteen secondary school students benefited from bursaries given by the Joyce Lay Foundation, owned by the MP.

The legislator challenged ODM leadership to ensure that party positions are distributed equally to all regions to avoid a backlash.

“ODM remains the biggest party in the country and must ensure that all seats are distributed equally. We want the people of Kenya to own and feel part of the party and this can be realised if we have equal representation,” she said.