Oburu Oginga withdraws application for EALA seat

Oburu Oginga said he will be focussing on campaigns for his younger brother NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga. (Photo: Denish Ochieng, Standard)

Nominated Member of Parliament Oburu Oginga has withdrawn his application to the East African Legislative Assembly.

Oburu, who had been nominated through the ODM party, said he declined the nomination after consultations and that he would hence forth focus on campaigning for his younger brother NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

“After consultations with my family and my own conscience, I have decided to drop my application for EALA seat,” said Oburu at a press briefing in Mombasa.

He said he had already informed the party of the decision and asked them not to include his name when the list of nominees will be submitted to Parliament.

“I want to concentrate on campaigns for my brother Raila Odinga and I will be co-ordinating the activities in my area and the western region, therefore I will not have time for other tasks,” said Oburu.

The four-time former Bondo MP said he will also be organizing himself as he prepares to retire from active politics.

Contestants for the EALA membership include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s son - Kennedy Musyoka who is eyeing to replace Peter Mathuku. Mathuku is designated as Wavinya Ndeti’s running mate in the Machakos governor contest.

Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim is also battling it out for the one slot allocated to Wiper Party.

Dr Julius Kones, former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua, former ODM Executive Director Magerer Langat, former MP David Koech, JP official Abraham Limo, former Ugenya aspirant Stephen Mwanga and former IEBC Commissioner Thomas Letangule are eyeing the seats through Jubilee Party.

ODM activist Japheth Muroko is also among the contestants.

Kenya has nine slots in the regional Assembly to be shared among Jubilee (five), ODM (two), Wiper Party (one) and others (one).