Raila Odinga’s ODM will hand over a direct nomination ticket to current Siaya Senator James Oremgo to contest for Governor in 2022.
ODM insiders said after learning of the move, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi quit the race “although he had never declared he will vie for Governor”
The ODM functionaries said Wandayi has ben assured of his ticket as MP.
In a written and voice recorded statement to newsrooms on Thursday, Wandayi said he was not interested in being Governor.
The MP said he considered himself as a product of positive struggle and change in the country, acknowledging that ever since he showed interest in the seat, the quest has been “long and tortuous”.
Other insiders said Wandayi was banking on ODM leader Raila Odinga to endorse him.
They said he pulled out after Raila told him off.
In the realignments, East Africa Legislative (EALA MP) Oburu Oginga will go for the Senate seat.
Oburu has endorsed Senator James Orengo for the governorship.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Samwel Atandi(Alego Usonga), Gem’s Elisha Odhiambo and Women Rep Christine Ombaka have indicated they will rally behind Orengo to succeed outgoing governor Cornel Rasanga.
They are playing safe to secure their seats.
Rasanga has been endorsed for the Alego Usonga Parliamentary seat held by Samwel Atandi, a strong Orengo ally.
Rasanga and the local ODM office have been given the mandate to identify suitable candidates for Rarieda, Bondo and Ugenya.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Samwel Atandi of Alego Usonga, Gem’s Elisha Odhiambo and Bondo’s Gideon Onchanda will be kicked out.
Atandi will be replaced by Rasanga and Elisha Odhiambo by one of the late Jakoyo Midiwo’s brother.
However, Orengo faces rough and tough times ahead in his quest for Governorship.
Nearly all MCAs from Siaya County and MPs have never supported him.
Only Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has been supporting him.
Only time will tell if those who have vowed to support him will do so.
Political analysts said Alego Usonga is rich in votes and anybody who is vying for Governor must get a deputy from the region.
In the ongoing new voter registration, the constituency is targeting 35,000 voters.
Should the ODM plans materialize, and former police spokesman Charles Owino is denied the ticket since he is said to be popular with the people, he is likely to join Nicholas Gumbo camp and face off with James Orengo.
Ugly scenes reminiscent of the 2013 battles between businessman William Oduol and Raila’s candidate Cornel Rasanga are expected.
Oduol defeated Rasanga in the ODM nominations but the party and its leader Raila Odinga gave Rasanga the ticket.