Two days after Raila Odinga's ODM Party gave the party’s nomination ticket to Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has announced his next political move.
Kidero, who was also seeking the ODM party's ticket, said he will now be running as an independent candidate and is expected to deny Wanga an opportunity to sail through unopposed on the ballot.
Through his Facebook page on Sunday morning, Kidero said he had decided to offer his candidature on an independent ticket after consulting with his Homa Bay county supporters. He said his candidature will offer options for better governance and restoration of Homa Bay's sovereign jurisdiction.
"In response to your cries for better Governance and restoration of your sovereign jurisdiction, I will offer myself as an independent candidate for the position of Homa Bay County Governor. I am overwhelmed by your unconditional support. I will be on the ballot on August 9th, 2022. Take my word - I will not let you down!" said Kidero
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He, however, maintained that he is not in any battle with Raila for locking him out of the ODM party ticket.
So far, no other candidate has offered themselves to face off with Wanga and Kidero on the ballot and it is expected to be a two-horse race.
His announcement comes days after Kidero opposed Wanga's direct nomination, saying he was not among the people who were consulted by ODM for the consensus.
"I was not approached to attend any meeting to discuss consensus for the gubernatorial seat. But I have just heard that the ticket has been issued to my competitor Gladys Wanga" said Kidero after he was snubbed by the party.
Kidero said Homa Bay people want to be the sole decision-makers and will not allow the party to impose a candidate on them. He urged his residents to dismiss propaganda by people claiming he is fighting Odinga.
"My ambition should not be misconstrued as a war between Raila and me. My decision has been motivated by the people who want me to transform the economy of Homa Bay county, dismiss those spreading propaganda" added Kidero