Following the nullification of Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti election on February 20, pressure is mounting on former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to vie in the by-election.
Awiti was declared the winner of August 8 polls but his challenger, Independent candidate Oyugi Magwanga challenged his victory.
Homa Bay High Court Judge Joseph Karanja ruled that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) did not conduct a free and fair election.
Residents of the county now want Kidero to declare his interest and want ODM to pick a new candidate given that Awiti has had run-ins with Magwanga who served as Kasipul MP between 2013-2017.
They say Kidero could be the man for the job. He has not declared his interest yet but some professionals, youths and elders want him to vie.
“The persistent wrangles have massively affected the county’s development. The best way to enhance peace and unity and put everything on track is to have a neutral candidate. Kidero is seen as the right person,” a resident of the county told the Star.
They feel that with Kidero’s entry to Homa Bay politics, things will change as he stands a better chance to oust both Awiti and Magwanga.
Kidero’s rural home is in Rangwe, one of the vibrant political hotbeds in Homa Bay County.
Moreover, given his deep pockets, he has the capacity to run a well-oiled campaign ahead of the by-election.
Karachuonyo Young Professionals Association, chaired by Shikuku Odie, said the change of guard in the county’s top seat will change the lives of scores in Homa Bay who are living in poverty.
“The people want Raila to support Kidero based on his development track record. He is the right candidate and has the capacity to help turn around county leadership which has been rundown with massive corruption by the current regime,” said Odie as further quoted by the Star.
Odie cited that with lawyer Edwin Sifuna now ODM Secretary General, it shows the party has hearkened to the call of fresh blood which should be the case in Homa Bay with Kidero running for governor.