Kidero, Magwanga differ in public over Homa Bay governor race

From left, Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’, Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga and Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo in Rangwe constituency. [James Omoro, Standard]

Former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga differed in public with former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero over the latter’s decision to contest the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in 2022.

Magwanga, who is also eyeing the seat, accused Kidero of stooping too low to contest the seat.

He said Kidero is considered a charismatic politician by the Luo community and should reconsider his interest in the post.

“I want to tell my brother Kidero that we respect him because he represented us well as a community when he was the governor of Nairobi,” Magwanga said.

He compared Kidero to a son in the Luo community who wants to quit his homestead and return to his father’s homestead, something frowned upon.

Magwanga went on, adding that Kidero is meant to represent the community outside Nyanza region.

“Let him contest the seat in Nairobi,” said Magwanga.

The former MP said he is contesting the seat and is not interested in becoming a running mate.

Magwanga spoke in Gongo location, Rangwe constituency, during the burial of Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’s grandmother Prisca Ondigo. 

The burial was also attended by  Kidero, Kajwang’, Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo her Ruaraka counterpart Tom Kajwang’ and former member of Homa Bay County Public Service Board Florence Ouma.

Kidero dismissed Magwanga’s comments, saying he had gone to Nairobi to look for a job like any other Homa Bay resident.

“It is wrong for someone to tell me to go back to Nairobi. I was in Nairobi for work but I have now come back home,” he said.

The former Nairobi governor defended himself saying he is a true son of Homa Bay county.

“I was born in Rangwe constituency which is part of Homa Bay county and my father and mother are known very well-known here.”

Meanwhile, Senator Kajwang’ said he will have conversation with the county residents on whether he should defend his seat or contest another one in 2022.

“We will have the conversation with staunch ODM members in this county at the right time,” Kajwang’ said.