ODM picks Kajwang’ for Homa Bay Senatorial seat
Moses Kajwang’, younger sibling to fallen Homa Bay Senator the late Otieno Kajwang’, was on Tuesday nominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the party’s candidate for the Homa Bay Senatorial by election slated for February 12.
This decision was made public by the party’s National Elections Board chair Judy Pareno, who insisted the younger Kajwang was unanimously selected after the party considered several factors, including returns from a scientific survey.
Kajwang is now considered favourite to win the seat considering the popularity of his party in Nyanza region. He will compete against Hilary Alila, Prof Medo Misama and Innocent Misara who have already been cleared by the elections body to contest.
MIXED REACTION
The procedure of settling on Kajwang as party candidate is certain to elicit mixed reactions both from within and outside the party.
Among the “losers” in the nomination are ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s former aide Caroli Omondi, Silas Jakakimba, business George Mboya and Fred Rabong’o.
Some of this contestants are rumoured to be discontented by the decision and are considering decamping and contest the seat on other parties’ tickets having spent millions to campaign until this stage.
ODM resorted to hand picking a candidate after chaos caused by rowdy youth and destruction of property halted an elective nomination process in early December.
The Homa Bay seat fell vacant following the death of Otieno Kajwang’ last month.