Kidero to seek Homa Bay gubernatorial seat independently

Former Nairobi Governor, Dr. Evans Kidero, has said his decision to run for Homa-Bay County gubernatorial seat as an independent candidate is not tantamount to fighting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Party Leader, Raila Odinga.

Kidero said he was not consulted for a consensus before the ODM gubernatorial party ticket was directly handed to his competitor County Woman Rep. Gladys Wanga.

Kidero was among several aspirants eyeing Homa Bay gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket.

Legislator, John Mbadi and businessman, Jared Kiasa, had earlier bowed out of the race.

He protested the decision by the ODM top brass to hand over direct party nomination ticket Wanga.

Speaking, Saturday, at Simbi Primary School in Karachuonyo Constituency, Kidero said what the ODM party termed as a consensus was not a consensus.

He argued that his opinion was not sought. “I was not called for any meeting for the consensus to be arrived, nor did I agree with the issuance of the ticket,” he said.

Kidero argued his decision to run for the seat as an independent candidate was informed by needs of Homa Bay residents.

The former Nairobi Governor argued that the people wanted a platform from which they can express their democratic right on who becomes their next governor.

“I am contesting this seat as an independent candidate because of the pressure from people of Homa Bay who want good leadership,” he said.

Kidero argued that his candidature should not be misconstrued to be a fight with Raila. “I am not fighting Raila in my push to become the next governor of Homa Bay. The people want me to transform the economy of this County,” he said.

Kidero expressed concerns that devolution had not made any meaningful change in the County, adding that he will not be cowed by anybody who wants him to drop his bid.

Kidero held rallies at Olare, Asumbi, Central Karachuonyo, Homa Bay town and other trading centers in the County to sell his new vehicle to the voters ahead of August 9, General Election.

The race for Homa Bay gubernatorial seat is now between Kidero and Wanga, with former Kasipul Legislator, Oyugi Magwanga, as the latter’s running mate.

Homa Bay Deputy Governor, Hamilton Orata, former County Secretary, Isaiah Ogwe and KUPPET Boss Akelo Misori consented to consensus spearheaded by the ODM party.