To solidify the Orange Democratic Movement party, Raila Odinga has called on the Luo Nation to vote only for the party’s candidate in the forthcoming poll.
Experts see Raila’s appeal to his backyard as an attempt by the former premier to save from voter’s wrath for candidates handpicked by the party.
If the voters opt for the ‘six-piece suit,’ candidates given direct nominations will sail through in the election.
Odinga’s party in the last general election lost key elective seats after dishing out the direct nomination. Independent candidates captured the majority of the losses.
To avert a repeat of the same, Raila labelled those seeking alternative parties or opting for the independent candidate as ‘enemies of the people out to divide the region ahead of the elections on August 9.
Odinga also stated that a “six-piece suit” would ensure that he would have strong backing from his MPs in parliament if he won the presidency.
“While I have committed to take the bull by its horns at the national level, I am asking you to vote six-piece for our ODM candidates, from the MCA seats to the presidency come to the General Election, for us to have the required strength,” said Raila.
Odinga pointed out that the Luo nation should stay united during this crucial electioneering period.
“We want our people to remain united because this has remained our strength for years when facing our enemy.
Our only strategy is to clinch power at the national level, but this cannot happen when we do not have strength at other levels,” said Odinga.
Odinga said that he was keen on ensuring that other political parties did not infiltrate his Nyanza stronghold.
Raila addressed talks from the locals in the recent direct nomination of Gladys Wanga as the Homabay ODM candidate in the August poll.