How My Deal With Raila Will Make Him President - Charles Owino

Deputy Director Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons Charles Owino.
Former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino Charles Owino speaking during a meeting on March 2, 2022.
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Charles Owino

Former police spokesperson, Charles Owino, has opened up on a deal between him and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

Speaking to Ramogi TV on Tuesday, March 30, the former police mouthpiece detailed that he had agreed with Raila to shelve his Siaya gubernatorial bid in favour of Senator James Aggrey Orengo.

Owino explained that he agreed to the deal stating that he respects Raila as his party leader. The former cop had also paid his nomination fee, with ODM indicating that it was in the process of refunding the same in areas it gives direct nominations.

Raila Odinga Addressing the Public During Azimio la Umoja Convention
Raila Odinga Addressing the Public During Azimio la Umoja Convention
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"I was asked to drop my bid in favour of another candidate and I had agreed because I did not want to go against the wishes of Raila," stated Owino.

He made the revelation hours after defecting to the United Democratic Movement (UDM) party where he will be the running mate to former Rarieda Member of Parliament, Nicholas Gumbo, the party's gubernatorial aspirant.

He explained that his defection from ODM came after consultations with the people of Siaya who wanted him to be on the ballot.

Owino added that he was urged to partner with Gumbo in a move that will also encourage more people to turn out and vote in the August 9 polls, adding that this will be an advantage to Raila.

He, however, expressed his opposition to zoning of regions arguing that it will be detrimental to the gains made by the party and will result to voter apathy.

"We have been under a lot of pressure from the people. They have insisted that we run because they want a Governor who is development-oriented.

"I want to urge our voters to come out in large numbers and cast their vote for Raila because this is a seat we have never had before" he explained.

Gumbo echoed Owino's sentiments stating that their latest political move would ensure that the ODM  boss clinches the top seat.

The former Legislator, who vied for the gubernatorial seat as an independent candidate in 2017, disclosed that ODM primaries in the past caused divisions that led to voter apathy in the region.

"In 2017 I was denied the ticket. I had won and even told my wife to prepare because we were going for the ceremony only to be called by the late Jakoyo Midiwo to inform me to watch the news. Shock on me, my competitor was given the ticket," he remembered.

File image of former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo
File image of former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo
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