ODM opens two branch offices in lakeside town

Ayiecho Olweny, ODM's Kisumu county coordinator

KISUMU: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has opened two offices in Kisumu town.

One of the offices was opened at Kibos trading centre and another along the Kamas-Mountain view road by the party's Kisumu county coordinator Ayiecho Olweny and Nyando MP Fred Outa.

Olweny and Outa advised voters to register in big numbers to consolidate the party's grip in the urban and peri-urban areas.

Prof Olweny, a former assistant minister for Education, said more branch offices would be opened.This comes as the party embarks on aggressive civic education in the area.

"We want to ensure that our supporters are in the know of the unfolding political dispensation in the country, more so at this time when the national politics is taking shape," said Olweny.

The leaders urged voters to remain united as they wait for political direction from party leader Raila Odinga.

"You will hear a lot of political squabbles here and there but don't panic. Those are signs of the political destiny shaping up," Outa said.

In the last one week, there has been heated debate across the political spectrum after an opinion poll by Ipsos Synovate showed at least 35 per cent wanted Raila to quit active politics while 34 per cent wanted him to vie in 2017.

Yesterday, in a candid interview with The Standard on Sunday, Raila hinted he was ready to back another CORD candidate for presidency in 2017 election.

But grassroots leaders and supporters want Raila to stay put.

"Anybody thinking that Raila will not vie is daydreaming," said Olweny.

Several aspirants for Kisumu East Parliamentary seat, including Nicholas Oricho, Richard Ogendo,  poured cold water on Ipsos poll.