John Mbadi drops out from Homa Bay gubernatorial race
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party chairman John Mbadi has dropped out of Homa Bay county gubernatorial race.
Through a statement, Mbadi said his decision was a compromise as he yielded to ODM’s national interests and those of Raila Odinga, the party’s presidential flagbearer in the August 9 General Election.
“I have today withdrawn my bid from the Homa bay County gubernatorial race. I will, therefore, henceforth place more effort in the Azimio presidential bid and the nationwide bid to have ODM secure as many seats as possible,” Mbadi said.
He said that it was the most difficult decision he had to make in the recent past and that he made the move after careful discussion with the party officials.
“What has, however, made it doable is my unquestioned commitment to the ODM national agenda, the quest for the national growth and stability, and of course my unwavering support for Raila Odinga’s presidential bid,” Mbadi said.
Mbadi dropped his bid after the party embarked on refunding millions of nomination fees as it resorts to issuing direct tickets in selected areas.
In the last week, the party issued direct certificates in at least ten electoral areas, including three gubernatorial positions and four parliamentary seats.
Mbadi yesterday said the party will make refunds in all electoral seats it will be issuing direct certificates.
Already the party is in the process of making a refund to Garissa Governor Ali Korane his half a million shilling application cash after the outfit resorted to giving former governor Nathif Jamah a direct ticket.
