Editor's Review

Arati explained that the ODM ticket for Nairobi will be issued after a competitive process.

On Thursday, October 14, ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati said that the party will conduct free and fair nominations for the Nairobi senatorial seat.

Arati explained that while EALA MP Winnie Odinga, who had earlier declared interest in the seat, is the late Raila Odinga's daughter, she would have to square it with other aspirants eyeing the seat.

"As ODM, I want to promise to all our followers that we will have a free and fair nomination, including for the Nairobi Senatorial position and any other position," he stated.

Arati made a clarion call to some of the leaders who had left the ODM Party to return to the political outfit to rebuild it, adding that the late Odinga would not want it divided.

However, he stated that those who left because of alleged enticements by a so-called sponsor should dissociate themselves from the party completely.

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A file photo of Governor Simba Arati.

"Let us not be confused because Baba left us in ODM. As Deputy Party Leader, I ask those people who want to leave not to; come back and let us build the party. However, if you have decided to leave because the 'sponsor' has bought you, get lost with him," Arati said.

However, when Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, took to the podium, they maintained that Raila's spirit was with them even though they left ODM.

They reiterated that they will liberate Kenyans from the Kenya Kwanza government that frustrated Kenyans, against the ideals the former Premier believed in.

The Kisii Governor took a swipe at former President Uhuru Kenyatta for claiming that he did everything to support Raila's presidential bid in 2022.

He questioned why Uhuru failed to swear in Baba if he truly believed that he beat President William Ruto on the ballot. 

"In 2013, Baba won the elections, but Uhuru was sworn in by force, and the same happened in 2017. All I ask is that in 2022, if Baba won the election, why didn't Uhuru swear in Baba, yet he had all the power and tools. Let him give us a break," he reiterated.

Earlier, Mama Ida Odinga called for political tolerance in the country. She warned that if Kenyans really believed in what Odinga stood for, they would not kill in his name.