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Aspirant claims Raila attempted to force him to step down for ‘preferred’ candidate


Opposition leader Raila Odinga has been caught up in a fresh political tussle within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

This follows claims made on Friday by the party’s Nairobi Senatorial aspirant Gabriel Bukachi Chapia, that Mr Odinga attempted to force him to step down from the race in favour of increasingly popular party lawyer Edwin Sifuna.

“My party leader requested me to step down for Edwin Sifuna and with a lot of respect and humility I disagreed because my new role in the party was not pronounced and guaranteed,” Bukachi said.

Sifuna, who lost during the recent ODM primaries in Kanduyi Western Kenya, has meanwhile confirmed via a Facebook post that he is shifting his political base to Nairobi.

LEGAL SUIT THREAT

“It’s an immense challenge, but a great honour as well. I immediately embark on a serious grassroots campaign in Nairobi and will be looking for your support,” he said.

Bukachi has, however, threatened to sue both ODM and Sifuna in the event that he is forced to withdraw his candidature.

“I informed Sifuna I’ll sue him as a person and the ODM party for going against my democratic right in the party,” Bukachi warned.

Whoever between Bukachi and Sifuna eventually gets the seat will tussle with Jubilee Party’s blue eyed boy Johnson Sakaja in the August elections, with the winner replacing Mike Sonko.