Babu Owino rated favourite to succeed Raila as Luo Nyanza leader
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has been rated as the favourite politician to succeed ODM leader Raila Odinga as Luo Nyanza region leader.
This is according to the Consortium of Researchers on Governance (CoRG AFRICA LIMITED), which conducted a survey on public policy and governance in the Nyanza region.
When asked who will represent the region if Mr Odinga retires from local politics, 51.8 per cent of respondents said the Embakasi East MP will take up the mantle.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga came second with 11.6 per cent, followed by ODM National Chairman John Mbadi with 10.3 per cent.
National Assembly Minority Leader and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi followed with 9.8 per cent, closely followed by Home Affairs Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo with 5.2 per cent, while 11.3 per cent of respondents were undecided.
Releasing the findings, CoRG CEO Charles Mc’Olonde said that when asked whether Mr Odinga should give up local politics if he is successful in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, the majority (41.6 per cent) believe he should continue to serve as their leader.
27.4 per cent of residents believe he should retire from politics, while 31 per cent of respondents are yet to make up their minds on which side Mr Odinga should take.
In Kisii Nyanza region, Kisii Government MP Simba Arati was voted as the best person to lead with 67.4 per cent, Mugirango South MP Sylvanus Osoro 10.8 per cent, Kitutu Chache North MP Anthony Kibagendi 6.5 per cent while 15.3 per cent are undecided.
On whether residents are aware of the implementation of promises made by the Nyanza region governors, Governor Wanga was rated 68.3, followed by Migori Governor with 61.1 and Governor Arati came third with 60.9 per cent.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka was rated as the most vocal Senator from the region (65.1 per cent) when it comes to exercising his oversight role in the Senate, followed by Okong’o Omogeni of Nyamira (59.8 per cent) and Moses Kajwang of Homa Bay came third with a rating of 57.5 per cent.
In terms of implementation of projects and representation by county women representatives, Fatuma Mohamed of Migori County was rated 73.2 per cent, followed by Kisii Woman Rep Dorice Donya with 70.8 per cent, while Ruth Odinga of Kisumu County came third with a rating of 66.7 per cent.