Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga on Tuesday, August 2, reprimanded ODM gubernatorial candidate for Kisii County, Simba Arati, over alleged disrespect to his elders and competitors.
Speaking during a mega rally in Gusii stadium, Raila called out Arati for labeling his opponents as thieves despite the fact they had not been charged and convicted in a court of law
The Azimio flagbearer advised the ODM candidate to restrain himself as he would need their blessings during the electioneering period.
“I am telling him if he is vying for the Governor seat to respect others. He should not call others thieves before they are charged in a court of law and proven guilty. I am warning him like his father. He is my child, he must respect elders because he needs blessings from elders,” the ODM leader noted
Odinga requested all the aspirants eyeing the Kisii governor's seat on Azimio coalition parties to front only one person who would contest against their main competitor, Kenya Kwanza.
Other candidates vying for Kisii gubernatorial candidate under Raila's coalition include Sam Ongeri (DAP-K), and Christopher Obure (Jubilee Party).
The former Prime Minister called for six-piece voting in the Nyanza region. He exuded confidence that he would clinch victory in the forthcoming elections with a bigger margin - terming Gusii land as one of his backyards.
Raila rallied the residents of Gusii with his 10-point agenda, pledging to implement them once they take over the government.
Odinga was also accompanied by his deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, Kisii Governor James Ongwae, COTU boss Francis Atwoli, among other leaders.
During the rally, Matiang’i, who hails from the region, used the opportunity to rally the crowds to vote for Raila overwhelmingly to ensure that they were part of the next government.
“I want you to come out in large numbers to vote for Azimio candidates and Raila Odinga on August 9,’’ Matiang’i noted
The Azimio brigade is now expected to head to Western Kenya to lead a series of campaigns in Kakamega County to solidify their support before the campaign period lapses.
