Oburu Odinga, the brother of ODM leader Raila Odinga, has been accused of attempting to push current Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda out of the August 8 race. According to the accusations, Oburu Odinga has been using proxies to force Ochanda to abandon his reelection plans, which would clear the way for Oburu to vie for the MP seat.
Oburu Odinga previously held the Bondo MP seat for 20 years until 2013, when he vied for the Siaya gubernatorial seat but lost and was later nominated.
The Nation reports that Ochanda has declined to opt out of the MP race in exchange for a deputy governor position. Interestingly, it was Ochanda who surrendered his gubernatorial ambitions for Oburu in 2013.
Ochanda stated, "I can confirm to you that I have been approached by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and Nyando MP Fred Outa to drop my bid for Oburu in exchange for a running mate's slot," as quoted by the Nation. However, the two MPs denied being on such a mission.
Ochanda further clarified that he cannot accept being Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga's running mate, as he is not interested in the position.
