The battle for Kisumu gubernatorial seat has taken a new twist after Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma ditched his deputy, Ruth Odinga, as his running mate.
In what analysts claim was the scramble for Nyakach Sub County, Governor Ranguma dropped Ms Odinga and replaced her with a trade unionist, Ephraim Kananga.
The decision by Mr Ranguma to opt for Mr Kananga who hails from Nyakach in place of Ms Odinga was reportedly a move to thwart the onslaught by his rival for the seat Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Prof Nyong’o had earlier in the weeks also settled on a Mr Mathews Owili who also hails from Nyakach Sub County.
On his part, Governor Ranguma stated that he did not elbow out Ms Odinga but she dropped her bid to deputise him on her own.
“I never dropped my deputy, she dropped herself and that is why I have replaced her with this youthful teacher,
“I am ready to campaign alongside ODM candidates because I support Nasa presidential candidate, Mr Raila Odinga,” said Mr Ranguma.
Speaking after he was cleared by County Returning Officer John Lorionkou to defend his seat, Ranguma added that he was ready to forego the interest of the independent candidates and would instead align himself to support ODM candidates whom he felt are good leaders.
Nyakach remains one of the most populous in the county and therefore best placed to produce the swing vote.
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