Otieno Kajwang's brother endorsed for Homa Bay senatorial seat

Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’, flanked by his brothers Wilfred Kajwang’ (left) and Joe Kajwang’, speaks during a press conference where the three announced the candidature of their younger brother Moses Otieno Kajwang’ for Homa Bay seat. [PHOTO: ELVIS OGINA/STANDARD]

HOMA BAY COUNTY: The family of the late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' has endorsed their kin to contest the seat on an ODM ticket.

The family spokesman Joe Kajwang', who is a brother of the late senator, said they had submitted the name of their younger brother Moses Otieno to the party for consideration for the seat.

"My brother is equal to the task. Indeed, he is more because he adds the perception of the youth and he will support their agenda," he said during a press briefing Tuesday at a Nairobi hotel.

And leaders from Nyanza welcomed Raila Odinga's move to withdraw from vying for the Homa Bay senatorial seat.

Tuesday, the leaders condemned a group from the region for requesting Raila to run for the seat.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero welcomed Raila's move and called on Luo leaders not to meddle in the political affairs of Homa Bay County.

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"We must continue to respect the sovereignty of the people of the county and other counties in exercising their political right to choose their leaders and representatives," Dr Kidero said.

Homa Bay aspirants Hillary Alila, Silas Jakakimba, Moses Kajwang', Fred Rabongo, Philip Okundi and Okuku Miregi also welcomed the move by ODM leader.

The Luo Council of Elders led by the county's branch chairman Nyandiko Ongadi had planned to hold a public demonstration against the proposal on Raila Wednesday.

The elders' secretary Joram Okola argued that they supported Raila as a presidential candidate but he should keep off the senatorial post.

Elisha Aketch, the chairman of the former South Nyanza councillors, lauded Raila's move.

Odoyo Owidi, a Kasipul politician who is also the chairman of the Luo Dialogue Initiative, said that if Raila had accepted to vie, he could have dug his political grave.

ODM has up to next Friday to nominate its flag bearer for the by-election to be held on February 2, 2015.

About 15 candidates have declared interest in the seat.