By James Omoro

Parliamentary aspirants in Ndhiwa are back to the drawing board following the entry of former MP Orwa Ojode’s widow into the race.

Campaigns in the constituency took a different turn when Mary Ojode launched her bid last week, promising to complete projects Ojode started. Ojode died in a plane crash together with former Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and four others on June 10. The former Ndhiwa MP died while on the way to a fund raising, alongside the guest of honour for the function in his constituency.

Since her husband’s death, Mrs Ojode has kept her cards close to her chest, perhaps laying groundwork ahead of the epic duel.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set September 17 for the by-elections in Ndhiwa, Kajiado North and Kangema constituencies.

This means whoever wins shall be in Parliament just for about three months before the election set for March 4, next year.  Life of the current Parliament expires on January 15.

 

Intense campaigns

Mrs Ojode’s entry into the race has stirred the ground as the more than 20 aspirants angling for the seat intensify campaigns to win voters’ favour, to represent them for three months.

While addressing constituents in Ndhiwa town, Mrs Ojode said she would fit well in her late husband’s shoes and that she would transform their lives and initiate projects.

“I have a clear understanding of the needs of Ndhiwa people, and shall take over from where my late husband left. I do not need any orientation to understand the constituency and ongoing projects,” she told The Standard.

She has traversed the vast constituency, including the vote-rich Kwabwai and Kabuoch in Ndhiwa, and Riana divisions to drum up support for her bid. She is betting on massive support from Kwabwai, Ojode’s clan, and Kabuoch where the late MP’s mother was born.

“As a development conscious person, I would not be happy to see projects started by Orwa Ojode stall. These projects were started for the benefit of the people of Ndhiwa and I am obliged to ensure they are completed. Therefore, empower me through your votes,” Mrs Ojode said.

She expressed concerns that Ndhiwa had never had a female MP and told constituents that this is the time. The current Bomet MP, Beatrice Kones, replaced her husband, Kipkalya Kones, who died in a plane crash in 2008.  Former Naivasha MP Jane Kihara also succeeded her late husband during the Ninth Parliament.

“Mothers are good leaders. It is unfortunate they have never got the chance to serve in Ndhiwa. I will be a mother to all constituents,” Mrs Ojode added.

If Ndhiwa constituents are to elect a female MP, Mrs Ojode will meet challenge from Homa Bay County ODM treasurer Monica Amolo and former teacher Beatrice Ogolla, who have also expressed interest in the seat. Mrs Amolo ran and lost the Ndhiwa parliamentary seat in 2002 and 2007 to the late Ojode.

Apart from the women, the seat has also attracted 20 men. They include former Ndhiwa MP Tom Obondo, Washingtone Kalee, Neto Oyugi, Hamilton Orata, Jeremiah Apolo, Oyoo Kanyangi, Denis Orero, and David Ojwang’, among others.

Mr Obondo was first elected in 1992 on a Ford-Kenya ticket, but defected to Kanu 18 months later, from the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s party.  Obondo shall have to explain why the electorate can trust him again, with a record of defection and betraying the people’s mandate.

The list could still be longer: There are those who have been sending their agents to various events in the constituency, but are yet to make an appearance to declare interest in the seat.

Family feuds

Among Mrs Ojode’s challenges is her recent falling out with the larger Ojode family days after her husband’s death over the management of his estate. Ojode’s elder brother Samuel Ojode wrote to Speaker Kenneth Marende asking him to withhold Sh10 million that was to be paid to the family. Mrs Ojode is an education graduate from the Kenyatta University, and also holds a Master’s degree in gender and development from the Institute of Education, University of London.

Mrs Ojode has held reconciliatory meetings with the family. “I had to get the endorsement of the family and the clan first, which I did after clarifying the small misunderstanding. That is now water under the bridge and the people of Ndhiwa understand me,” she said.

Meanwhile, veteran South Nyanza politician Elisha Akech Chieng’ urged aspirants to maintain peace during their campaigns.

“We don’t want any signs of violence in Ndhiwa and every aspirant should respect their competitors. We are monitoring them closely,” Mr Chieng’ said.

“It is risky for the electorate to trust a newcomer with the completion of ongoing project during the next three months. I know where to begin,” Mrs Ojode said during her campaigns across Ndhiwa.