Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju, on Saturday, November 2, turned a lucrative political seat offer during a funeral in Siaya County.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony of the late freedom fighter Mama Loice Anyango, Tuju explained that he was not interested in the county's gubernatorial seat suggested to him by several residents of the area.
Tuju explained that he was more focused on national issues because, as he observed, in the spirit of the handshake, Nyanza region was bound to benefit greatly and as such, he needed not run for a political seat in the region.
“I am keen on being a player in national politics. That is where the national cake is being shared and I can’t miss out," he explained according to the Daily Nation.
In a report carried by the People Daily, Tuju insisted that he was keen on continuing to fight for a bigger share of the region's projects on the national level.
"Nyanza has faced under-development under previous regimes and we now want the region’s development to increase in the era of the handshake,” continued Tuju.
Some leaders from the region have expressed interest in running for the county's top seat including Siaya Senator James Orengo, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo.
Several allies of Wandayi were left red-faced on Sunday, October 13, when they urged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's wife, Ida Odinga, to endorse him for the top job.
Speaking during the homecoming party of nominated Siaya MCA Andrew Omwende, Ida explained that the family would not impose the name of a leader but would leave all contenders to prove their worth to voters and whoever won the nominations would be endorsed by the party.
“Those in leadership and are still hoping to seek higher positions or get re-elected must not bank their hopes on us to endorse them but should see to it that the services they are currently delivering have great impact on the electorate, who shall consider their next bids through voting.
“The era of endorsing nonperforming politicians to take up leadership [positions] against the wishes of the electorate is over," she sternly stated at the time.
