Former Cabinet minister Ochillo Ayako has turned down his nomination as an ambassador.
Speaking after the announcement made by State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena on the new ambassadorial appointees, Ayako stated that he "wants to serve the people of Migori County in whatever capacity."
He went ahead to thank President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga for the "honour and respect they bestowed on me.
[caption caption="Former cabinet minister Ochilo Ayako"]
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"I am ready to serve the great people of Migori either as a ward rep, MP, Senator or Governor and that is where my focus is," Ayako told Nation in an interview.
According to the former Rongo MP, he is eyeing the Migori senate seat that fell vacant following the death of Ben Oluoch Okello who succumbed to colon cancer on June 19.
A top ODM official told the Nation that the legislator is likely to be given a direct nomination for the party ticket.
"We are going to give him the ticket. Why would one decline such a lucrative job? He will be our candidate in Migori," the unnamed official told the daily.
According to reports, the move by the former minister to reject the nomination may unsettle politicians who have declared an interest in the vacant seat.
Those who have also declared an interest in the seat include former MP John Pesa, trade unionist Samuel Orwa, and Mr Maka Sembo.
State House has since replaced Mr Ayacko’s name with that of Mr Paddy Ahenda from Homa Bay County.
[caption caption="Former Rongo MP Ochilo Ayako"]
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