Nimetoka Azimio” After Listening To The Ground Another Powerful Leader Ditch Azimio-OKA coalition
Kakamega Deputy Governor Phillip Kutima has ditched the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition for the Kenya Kwanza camp ahead of the August polls.
Prof Kutima decamped to the Deputy President William Ruto-led political faction on Thursday.
The DP, flanked by Kakamega Senator and gubernatorial candidate Cleophas Malala, lauded Prof. Kutima for his move.
DP Ruto also commended the Kakamega DG for supporting Malala’s bid for the Kakamega governor race under Kenya Kwanza.
“Join us in welcoming Kakamega Deputy Governor Prof. Philip Kutima to Kenya Kwanza from Azimio Alliance. Your support for Senator Cleophas Malala’s gubernatorial bid is a huge boost. We are grateful,” wrote the DP.
Prof. Kutima was initially in the race to replace Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in the county’s top seat under DAP-K party, which one of the constituent parties forming the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party.
He had previously ditched the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party citing internal strife with the party’s deputy leader, Governor Oparanya, whom he accused of dishonesty and favouring another candidate.
The Raila Odinga-led ODM party has already settled on former KETRACO boss Fernandes Barasa as its flag bearer in the Kakamega governorship race.
Elsewhere, Bonchari Member of Parliament Pavel Oimeke has stepped down from active politics after he lost the Orange Democratic Movement (ODMI) ticket ahead of the August elections.
Oimeke had lost the ODM ticket during the party primaries and Jonah Ondieki a Kenyan-USA based administrator was given a direct ticket.
In a statement Oimeke indicated that he will not be defending his seat come August general elections after having consultations with his electorates, family and friends.
“After reflecting and consulting my supporters, friends and Family I have decided that I will not be defending my seat in the 9th August 2022 General Elections,” he said.
Futher Oimeke applauded Abanchari for voting me in as their MP for short period he served following the sad demise of Hon Oroo Oyioka.
However, Oimeke said he will be supporting other candidates in MCA, MP and Gubernatorial seats to ensure Kisii County as whole gets good leadership.
“I will in due course be indicating my preferred candidates for all seats more especially in Bonchari and Kisii County,” Said Oimeke.
