Direct nomination? Governors want to be exempted from party primaries

Governors from Luo Nyanza want Orange Democratic aparty leader Raila Odinga to grant them direct nominations in next year's polls.

Governors Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay) and Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) want to be exempted from facing party primaries. According Rasanga, who spoke on their behalf during a fundraiser at Nyenga Mixed Secondary School in Suba Constituency, the direct tickets will guarantee their second terms to enable them complete their development projects.

They said Okoth Obado of Migori, who was absent in the function, should also be included if he ditches his People's Democratic Party for ODM. Rasanga used the fundraiser that was organised by the ODM Chairman John Mbadi to appeal to Raila.

"Mbadi, I am sending you to plead with ODM leader Raila Odinga so that the incumbent governors of Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisumu and Migori counties be given direct ODM tickets," said Rasanga.

He said the direct tickets will also enable them devote more time to participate in Raila's presidential campaign.

"My main aim is to ensure Raila wins the presidential race," said Ranguma.

Mr Awiti said his second term will enable him to complete development projects he started for the people of Homa Bay.

"There are a number of development projects I have initiated but I will do more if am re-elected in 2017," he said.

However, the comments received criticism from a section of gubernatorial aspirants in Nyanza region.

Anne Anyanga who is eyeing Migori governorship said the request would jeorpardise change in leadership which Nyanza residents need.

"The requests is a threat to gender equity envisaged in the Constitution. All governors in the Nyanza are men. How can I or any other woman eyeing the gubernatorial seat get that post if the incumbents are accorded direct ODM nominations?" asked Mrs Anyanga.

Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga who is eyeing Homa Bay seat said the governors do not deserve direct tickets on grounds that they will violate rights of gubernatorial aspirants and voters.

"A governor who worked well in his term will automatically be re-elected by the people hence does not need a direct nomination ticket. But one can only need a free nomination ticket if he feels he did not serve the people well during his first term," said Mr Magwanga.

Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo who is eyeing Siaya gubernatorial post accused the governors of being suspicious of their popularity.

"I believe an election candidate who is popular should not ask for a free ticket in a race he is sure of winning. Those are people who have sensed defeat," Mr Gumbo said.

Kisumu gubernatorial aspirant Hezron Mc'Obewa said the governors should present themselves for endorsement by the electorate instead of being given free nomination tickets.

"The electorate need leaders who can do projects which put food on their tables. Let them participate in the nomination so that those who have failed are sent home by the electorate because change cannot be stopped," said Mc'Obewa.