Uriri MP Mark Nyamita has clarified that he is in Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to stay, declaring his intention to run for Migori governor on the ticket that has sponsored him to Parliament for two terms.
Mr Nyamita – who is set to face off with Governor Ochilo Ayacko in the 2027 election –said it is in the best interest of Luo Nyanza to rally behind the Orange party for purposes of negotiation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The lawmaker is among a host of politicians from the region who are in support of the broad-based government, and are rallying for President Ruto’s re-election through the deal between ODM and UDA.
He, however, called on the party leadership to ensure credible party primaries as a way of strengthening the outfit post the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Mr Odinga, who died in October, was a major unifying factor in the party that has remained a major force since the 2007 General Election. The party has remained influential in Nyanza, Coast, Western and Gusii for successive elections.
“The strength of ODM post Raila lies in conducting credible party primaries. My position is simple: ODM must conduct credible nominations in the forthcoming elections,” said Mr Nyamita.
He explained that it is in the absence of a credible nomination that some party members may feel disenfranchised and seek alternative vehicles.
“It is in the absence of such credibility that some people may be forced to seek other alternatives in the pursuit of great service to our people. But we are clear, that we remain united under ODM even as we engage with UDA,” he explained.
He said it will be in the interest of the party to conduct credible nominations so as to have popular candidates that can win and boost the outfit’s numerical strength in Parliament, County Assemblies and at the Council of Governors.
In the Kasipul by-elections, critics accused the party of alleged mismanaged of nominations, a scenario that saw some of the aspirants jump ship to run as independent candidate. Top party officials led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga were seen to favour Boyd Were even before the party held its nominations.
Mr Nyamita has since set his eyes on unseating Mr Ayacko, with a promise to fix health, education and other programs designed to improve service delivery.
On what he thinks is troubling his county, he cites a broken healthcare system. He also says that despite being strategically located and big in the sugar belts, having gold resources and bordering the lake, the county lacks even basic infrastructure that can attract investment.
The MP, who made an unsuccessful stab at the seat in 2013 at the age of 32 years, reckons his time as Uriri legislator has prepared him for the top county seat.
