This archive report was first published on 27 June 2021.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has spoken out about the circumstances surrounding the failure of former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo to secure his seat in the 2017 general election.
Speaking during the burial of Jakoyo Midiwo in Gem on Saturday, June 26, Raila explained that Midiwo and Dr Oburu Odinga would have been in Parliament if he had the power to make changes to the party's nomination process.
However, after Midiwo and Oburu lost their appeal, Raila stated that he could not have changed the decision by the party and imposed the two former legislators on the people.
According to Raila, ODM party nominations are a significant challenge because they require resources similar to those needed for a general election, including printing ballot papers and appointing presiding and returning officers in each polling station.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also paid tribute to Jakoyo Midiwo, describing him as an outspoken politician who spoke his mind fearlessly.
East African Legislative Assembly MP Dr Oburu Oginga, the family's spokesperson, confirmed that Jakoyo passed away while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital on June 14.
