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Raila hits out at ODM defectors


Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has taken a swipe at party members who are defecting to vie as independent candidates after suffering defeat in the primaries.

Odinga, who is the Azimio candidate ahead of the August 2022 polls, spoke at an event where he issued certificates to the ODM candidates who won the primaries.

“You find someone applying to vie for a seat on a certain political party when they are subjected to nominations and lose, they go independent, my question is, why didn’t they declare their interests in vying as independents before applying to vie on a party ticket?” posed Odinga.

The seasoned politician described the practice as ‘bad manners’ while urging the public to vote for ODM candidates vying for the various seats including gubernatorial, senatorial and Member of County Assembly (MCA).

“Azimio la Umoja coalition is a movement of many political parties. I am the presidential candidate of the coalition but also the Party Leader of the ODM party, I urge members of ODM to vote for our candidates, but if you are not a member of ODM, vote for whoever you are supporting.”

He also urged ODM candidates to popularise the party across the country.

“You are our ambassadors. Go and campaign vigorously for the party and deliver, remember to talk about the unity of Kenyans and in particular the people you want to represent at various levels.”

Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati who is vying for the Kisii County Governor’s seat, Ms. Gladys Wanga, the Homabay County Woman Rep who is vying for the County’s top seat, Mr. Paul Otuoma, Busia gubernatorial candidate, and Kevin Okwara are among those who received their certificates.