Otuoma dealt blow in his gubernatorial bid in Busia as his father declares support for his bitter rival

Paul Otuoma’s gubernatorial bid has been dealt a blow after his father, Ofafa Ojasi, declared support for re-election of Governor Sospeter Ojaamong.

Mzee Ojasi made the revelation during a thanksgiving ceremony for Assembly Speaker Bernard Wamalwa at his Bwiri home in Funyula Constituency.

Mzee Ojasi said he introduced the outgoing Funyula MP to politics and ensured he was elected in 2007 and subsequently in the 2013 elections. He says Otuoma did not consult the family. “I introduced Otuoma to politics but I know I am backing Governor Ojaamong,” said Ojasi.

“I will knock every door to seek votes for Ojaamong. My target is to ensure he is overwhelmingly voted for here in Funyula,” he added. The Speaker has also thrown his support behind Ojaamong and pledged to remain firm. The duo have vowed to campaign rigorously for his re-election bid. Wamalwa said all indications show that Ojaamong will retain the seat and claimed Otuoma did not consult his tribesmen before his decision to vie.

He said those claiming that the current county leadership has failed to deliver to the expectations of locals were not sincere. “If Ojaamong’ did not perform, I also should be blamed but truth is, we have performed within our means since we started from scratch,” said Wamalwa. 

He said after the visit by the Oppostion leaders over the weekend, he had a candid chat with Otuoma where he told him that he cannot afford to go against the wishes of Raila Odinga. “Had the consultation been made for elders to support his bid, it would not have been tough for Otuoma,” said Wamalwa.