The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a major setback in Kakamega County after branch officials declared their support for Amani National Congress (ANC) and Ford-Kenya aspirants in the August elections.
Lurambi ODM branch officials led by Peter Machika announced that they would support ANC's Titus Khamala for Lurambi parliamentary seat and Ford Kenya's Boni Khalwale for Kakamega governorship.
Mr Machika noted that they had decided to back the ANC and Ford-Kenya candidates as they were stronger contenders who are ready to serve the people of Kakamega.
“We decided to support Khamala because ODM candidate Khainga rigged himself in by the party’s NEB. We have been frustrated ever since. We have chosen to back somebody who can deliver,” Machika stated.
Mr Khamala on his part welcomed the support stating that the National Super Alliance (NASA) had not lost any support as the shift was still in the alliance.
“What is important is to ensure ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi has more seats as a base to begin preparations for his presidential bid in 2022. Now we focus on the victory for NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga," he stated.
The rift between the officials and the party began after nominations where Lurambi parliamentary aspirant Stanley Khainga defeated incumbent Raphael Otaalo who they were supporting.
Mr Otaalo claimed that he was rigged out but the party headquarters upheld the nomination results forcing Otaalo to decamp to ANC.
Kakamega County has one of the most anticipated contests in the August election pitting Senator Khalwale and incumbent Governor Wycliffe Oparanya for the governorship contest.
