Oparanya drums up support for ODM in Nyanza

ODM has started a campaign to strengthen the party in Nyanza.

Deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya (pictured) on Saturday visited Migori and Homa Bay counties and held talks with local leaders on how the Orange party could restore its overwhelming support in the region.

The ODM support in the region had been punctured following bungled nominations in 2017 that saw some candidates decamp to vie in other outfits’ tickets or as independent candidates.

The party was also accused of handpicking or favouring some candidates.

Progressive country

Mr Oparanya, who said he had the blessings of party leader Raila Odinga in touring the region, also rooted for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) referendum for a united and progressive country.

In Migori the Council of Governors chair condoled with Governor Okoth Obado’s family that lost a matriarch last year.

Oparanya then held a meeting with Mr Obado and MCAs drawn from various political parties at the governor’s home.

They discussed strengthening ODM to ensure the party gets more seats in the region in the next General Election.

Obado urged Oparanya to ensure the party’s nominations were free and fair.

“If the party does away with irregularities which mar nominations, we are sure that ODM will get more seats than it has today. The party primaries should be given more focus,” Obado said.

Oparanya told local leaders to intensify campaigns to ensure the BBI referendum succeeds.

 “BBI is key for better governance of this country hence every leader should sell the agenda wherever they are,” Oparanya said.

Oparanya was also hosted by former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero in Homa Bay.

Kidero has shifted his political base to his ancestral county where he wants to be governor.