Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila
Odinga has said he will not campaign for Ugenya parliamentary candidate
in the by-election due to his busy schedule at the African Union.
The
AU Special Envoy for Infrastructure and Development, however, urged his
supporters to vote for Mr Christopher Karan in the mini-poll on April
5.
"I will not be coming to campaign
for our candidate since I have a bigger role of taking care of
infrastructure development in the entire continent," he said during the
funeral of former senior chief Daudi Owino Olak in Lifunga Kobiero
village, Ugenya Sub County.
Mr Owino was 101 years old at the time of his death.
"There
are good things in the offing. I have talked to President Uhuru
Kenyatta and he has promised to build the Butere-Musanda-Sigomere-Ukwala
road," he told mourners.
He added that the President would visit the region in August to open the road.
Senate Minority Leader James Orengo said Mr
David Ochieng, who is contesting the seat on a Movement for Democracy
and Growth party ticket, is "an enemy of development who failed to
deliver during his time as a lawmaker".
"He should be rejected at the ballot because we know who he is working for," Mr Orengo said.
The Siaya Senator said President Kenyatta supports Mr Karan "as he chose not to present a candidate to contest the seat".
"In
the spirit of the handshake, we want to maintain the friendship between
us and the President who has committed to work closely with our party
leader," the Siaya Senator said.
The senator said Deputy President William Ruto is panicking as the government intensifies its war against corruption.
“The guilty are always afraid. Why would someone start expressing worries when he has not been mentioned?" he asked.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said ODM lawmakers and officials would ensure the party retains the seat.
"We urge Ugenya residents not to be swayed by handouts," Mr Amollo said.
Others who expressed support for Mr Karan include Governor Cornell Rasanga and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi.
The Supreme Court supported the nullifying of Mr Karan's victory by the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Karan beat Mr Ochieng by just 347 votes.
DAILY NATION
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