Obado’s Absence Gives Ayacko an Upper Hand in Migori Race

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Ochillo Ayacko is the bookmarkers’ favorite to be the next Migori Senator in the absence of his biggest rival, governor Okoth Obado.

Obado, who beat Ayacko to the gubernatorial post in last year’s poll had disagreed with ODM’s decision to hand him a direct party nomination and had vowed to campaign for his opponent, a decision that had not gone down well with party officials.

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But the governor’s plans didn’t take shape as he is currently locked up at Industrial Area Police Station, where he is facing murder charges for the cruel death of his girlfriend Sharon Otieno early in September.

And on Monday, ODM deputy party leader Hassan Joho led the [arty brigade in drumming up support for Ayacko.

The Mombasa  governor who was accompanied by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Migori Woman Rep Pamela Odhiambo, Rongo MP Paul Abuor among other ODM politicians, traversed Kuria West, Kuria East and later Nyatike and Rongo sub-counties.

Joho and Ayacko

The leaders asked residents to vote Mr Ayacko, arguing that he is the best candidate to represent the county at the Senate.

“We have come here to urge you to vote for the right candidate and ODM as presented that candidate for you. Mr Ayacko has the best qualities to represent your interests at the senate,” said Mr Joho while addressing residents of Ntimaru in Kuria East.

He added: “Ignore those other candidates who are being fronted by enemies of ODM and vote for Mr Ayacko.”

As the senate race enters home-stretch, two leading candidates Mr Ayacko and Federal Party of Kenya’s Eddy Gicheru Oketch have doubled their efforts to bag the crucial Kuria votes, which are expected to be the swing votes in the race.

The search for Kuria votes has however taken a new twist after Kuria East MP Marwa Kitayama of Jubilee backtracked on his earlier move to support Mr Oketch. Mr Kitayama has now thrown his weight behind Mr Ayacko.

“I have decided to support Mr Ayacko going forward to the October 8 by-election,’’ Mr Kitayama said.

He added: “Let everyone speak for himself. As for me I support Ayacko and I am not mincing words. I am in Jubilee but Mr Ayacko is our best senator,’’ said Kitayama.

But Kuria West MP Mathias Nyambabe Robi has declared support for Mr Oketch. Mr Kitayama has great influence in the region as he controls the two biggest clans of Bakira and Nyabasi.

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