The Orange Democratic (ODM) party will not field gubernatorial and senatorial candidates in West Pokot County but instead will support other Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya coalition parties of Kenya Union Party (KUP), Kenya National African Union (KANU), Jubilee and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidates in the County.
However, the Party has fielded eight candidates for the Woman Representative seat and seven Members of County Assembly candidates in the County.
ODM party officials in the County issued certificates to Rodah Rotino as the West Pokot Woman representative and seven Members of the County Assembly candidates on behalf of the ODM National Elections Board (NEB).
Speaking outside the ODM party office in Kapenguria while issuing the certificates to the candidates, West Pokot County ODM party Chairman Joseph Akoule who defended their decision to field candidates for the county MP and ward representative seats noted that as a coalition, all parties are at liberty to field candidates anywhere.
“Because we are all in the coalition party of Azimio we will not field the Governor and Senator’s seat. We don’t want our coalition parties to bring issues later. We have only one Presidential candidate Raila Odinga whom we are campaigning for,” he said.
Mr Akoule who is also the Azimio la Umoja Presidential coordinator in the County noted that they have embarked on peaceful campaigns.
Mr. Akoule said that Raila Odinga is the one who championed for devolution that has brought fruits in counties.
“He brought devolution and has worked. We have benefited from roads, schools and children going to school because of bursaries from the devolved unit. This is ODM time and we are well prepared,” he said.
He said that ODM together with Azimio la Umoja leaders in the County are ready and determined to deliver votes for ODM leader Raila Odinga
Mr. Akoule urged residents in the area to join the ODM party.
“This is the time and if we want to save ourselves ,let’s vote for Raila .We are ready from Naita to Tiaty and even Uganda to vote for Raila Odinga,” he said.
He said that things have changed in West Pokot and the ODM party has many supporters.
“We are pastoralists and not for the wheelbarrow as many perceive,” said Mr Akoule.
West Pokot County ODM party Woman Representative candidate Rodah Rotino called on other Azimio parties in the County and all women in the Country to support Raila Odinga for Presidency adding that he has experience in leadership.
“The six thousand shillings to every household promised by Raila is true. Raila is a trusted old man,” she said.
She noted that if elected she will support the youth, women and the disabled.
“The woman’s representative seat has been ignored but if elected I will show its importance to the electorate. The seat is good if one works well,” she said.
Mrs Rotino said that they will ensure that ODM leader Raila Odinga garners 90% of votes in the County.
“In 2013, I was in Kanu, 2017 an independent candidate and now I have joined ODM .We want Raila to be in state house .We’ve started working and we shall not relent,” he said.
She noted that the ODM leader has fought for democracy in the Country.
“He has been pushing for the two thirds gender rule. Let’s respect Raila and give him the country’s top seat. Pokots have prophesied that Raila will win,” she said.
ODM Kacheliba Constituency Chairman Samuel Olie called on residents in the County to campaign and vote for Raila Odinga.
“We want all Azimio la Umoja parties to come together in supporting Mr Odinga,” he said.
ODM member of County assembly candidate for Mnagei ward, Richard Mwareng called for peaceful campaigns adding that he is ready to support and empower business people in the area.
Mr. Mwareng said that the Azimio la Umoja government will be an all inclusive government.
