Past political failures will not deter him from contesting county seat

By Ben Ahenda

He has been swimming in unfamiliar waters by seeking elective posts far away from home. But nothing will stop a Nakuru medic from living his dreams.

After failing to clinch the party nominations on the Orange Democratic ticket for the Nakuru Town Parliamentary seat in the last General Election, Dr Omondi Ogada has set his eyes on the governor’s seat in the Nakuru County.

Dr Ogada admits getting the coveted office would be a herculean task but says he is equal to the task. The aspirant has already hit the road and said despite not coming from the two main voting blocks of the Kikuyus and Kalenjins, he is optimistic he would carry the day with the backing of other cosmopolitan ethnic communities living in the county.

This is because what the electorate expects this time round from any aspirants are issue-based politics besides being transparent in the delivery of services.

“Transparency and delivery of services can only be achieved by serious professionals and candidates who are dedicated and focused to the expectations and aspirations of the electorate,” Dr Ogada said.

There are 42 ethnic communities living in Nakuru County that have a population of over 750,000 people.

Other candidates in the race for the seat of Governor are Naivasha MP John Mututho and Administration Police Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua.

So far, Nakuru County has six constituencies, namely Nakuru Town, Molo, Kuresoi, Subukia, Naivasha and Rongai.

Dr Ogada said it would be sad if the electorate based their election agenda on tribalism and not credentials of aspirants in their manifestoes to serve the electorate diligently.

The Kikuyus are the most dominant tribe in the county followed by the Kalenjins and chances are high the two tribes would produce the most members of Parliament in next year’s General Election.

Therefore, Dr Ogada believes that since the Kikuyus would produce most parliamentarians, it was only wise if they reciprocate by supporting other communities for the positions of governor and senator.

“This will enhance peaceful co-existence between the 42 tribes living in the county and as a result spur development in the cosmopolitan county,” Dr Ogada said.

He said the governor’s seat is a public seat and the chosen few should be people of integrity who are transparent because they would be in charge of billions of shillings meant for the development of the county.

Dr Ogada, who is one of the few experienced Kenyan cardiologists, said he has worked diligently for the people of Nakuru County and has cut across all ethnic diversities in the last three decades in his professional career.

He said this is a factor voters should consider when electing a good governor.