ODM chairman and Suba South MP John Mbadi has bolted out of the hotly contested Homa Bay gubernatorial race to focus on selling the candidacy of Azimio la Umoja presidential hopeful Raila Odinga.
Mr Mbadi’s decision to withdraw from the race to succeed Governor Cyprian Awiti now narrows it to Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, former Kasipul Kabondo MP Joseph Magwanga and Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata. They will square it out in nominations set for next month.
Mr Mbadi, the minority leader in the National Assembly, said on Monday that although the decision was difficult to make, he had to do it so as to focus on supporting Mr Odinga’s campaign.
“What has, however, made it doable is my unquestioned commitment to the ODM national agenda, the quest for national growth and stability and of course my unwavering support for Raila Odinga’s presidential bid,” he said.
The Suba South MP, while thanking his supporters, also said he would focus on ensuring that ODM sweeps the majority of seats in the August General Election.
“In the interest of these, I have today withdrawn my bid from the Homa Bay County gubernatorial race,” said Mr Mbadi, who has been MP for 15 years.
“I will therefore henceforth place more effort in the Azimio presidential bid and the nationwide bid to have ODM secure as many seats as possible, tasks I am sure I can positively add value to.”
Mr Mbadi’s withdrawal came hours after Mr Kidero dismissed information circulating in Homa Bay WhatsApp groups that he was planning to join the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).[email protected]
