ODM leader Raila Odinga has told Migori County residents to vote for the party’s candidate Ochillo Ayacko, terming other aspirants imposters.
At campaign rallies where Deputy President William Ruto became a target again, Mr Odinga urged his supporters to show loyalty by voting for the party’s candidate in the October 8 by-election.
Mr Odinga, who addressed the crowds by the phone, said Mr Ayacko, a former minister in the Kibaki government, believes in the Orange party ideologies and asked Migori people to vote for him.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of Senator Ben Oluoch on June 19.
At a rally in God Jope, residents of Suna East Sub-County were addressed by Mr Odinga on a loudspeaker through their MP Junet Mohamed’s phone.
Politicians at the rally hit out at Deputy President William Ruto over his remarks that Mr Odinga was using the handshake with President Kenyatta for his selfish motives.
“We are telling the DP to shut up and let our party leader be. He has made our party leader a punching bag, hurling insults at him at every turn. We are telling the DP loud and clear to respect Mr Odinga because he is not his equal,” said Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.
He also dragged Mr Ruto into the Migori campaigns, claiming the Federal Party of Kenya candidate, Mr Eddy Oketch, was sponsored by the DP.
“Let us not allow Mr Ruto to upset Mr Odinga’s support base. All of you should remain united behind Mr Ayacko,” said the Mombasa county boss.
Mr Ayacko is facing stiff competition from Mr Oketch who is backed by Migori Governor Okoth Obado, who is currently detained over the murder of university student Sharon Otieno.
Mr Obado enjoys wide support in the county.
Mr Joho and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed led the ODM campaigns in Nyatike and Migori towns.