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Ida calls for consensus in ODM primaries to avoid violence

Ida Odinga (center) speaks to Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga during a fundraiser at Sing’enge primary school in Ndhiwa constituency. [James Omoro, Standard]

Orange party leader Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga, has proposed that ODM nominates governorship aspirants in Nyanza by consensus.

She said this would prevent violence.

Speaking during a fundraiser organised by Education Principal Secretary Julius Jwan at Sing’enge Primary School in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay, Ida cited an incident in the constituency last week, where two vehicles that were in the convoy of ODM Chairman John Mbadi were pelted with stones.

Mbadi is eyeing the governor’s seat

“If possible, we would call the people in the governor’s race for dialogue so that they can agree on one of them getting the nomination ticket,” Ida said.

Also at the fundraiser were Governor Cyprian Awiti, Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino among others.

She told politicians in the region to focus on Raila’s presidential bid.

“Everybody eyeing Homa Bay gubernatorial seat is a resident of Homa Bay. It does not matter who acquires the ticket because we are one family. The only seat with a difference is presidential,” she said.

In a separate function, former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and businessman Sammy Waikiaga condemned violence in campaigns.

Speaking during a fundraiser at Wanyama Mixed Secondary School in Suba North, Kidero, who is also in the race to succeed Awiti, urged his competitors to avoid violence.

Odhiambo said violence was spoiling Raila’s prospects. “When I go to campaign for Raila in Meru, I’m asked what is wrong with Homa Bay. Let all aspirants desist from violence,” she said.

Wakiaga cautioned residents that violence “can lead to irreparable damages”.