UDA women leaders in Homa Bay reject ODM zoning push
More than 300 women allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in Homa Bay have rejected the political zoning pushed by their ODM counterpart.
More than 300 women allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in Homa Bay have rejected the political zoning pushed by their ODM counterpart.
The women who included the party deputy chairperson Rosemary Rumo, Mercy Akenge(Women League), Bella Imbo (Suba North), Lilian Gogo (Kabondo Kasipul); and Margaret Anyango (Delegate) said zoning is against democracy.
Rumo said Kenya is a multiparty state where people are allowed to form and seek political seats on different tickets. ODM leadership is reportedly planning to have zoning considered as one of the agenda items during their negotiations with the UDA party.
The orange party wants President William Ruto not to field candidates in places they perceive as their strongholds. Counties such as Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, Siaya, and Busia, among others are said to be the ODM zones.
The majority of elected leaders have voted on the party ticket since 2007. Rumo said UDA has made inroads in those perceived ODM strongholds because of the development programs Ruto’s administration has for residents.
“Political zoning is against democracy and fair competition. President Ruto should reject the demand by ODM’s counterpart in the 2027 polls,” Rumo said.
Speaking on Monday when they camped at the party offices in Homa Bay town, the women said they will continue supporting the UDA party and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
Akenge argued that various development projects they have witnessed in Homa Bay and other Luo Nyanza counties since Ruto took power is because of the good agenda spearheaded by PS Omollo. Environment have support.
They urged President Ruto to reject as well any call to have Omollo dislodged from the position and government.
They said the women empowerment agenda and support programs for orphans and youths by Omollo should not be joked with.
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“There are widows and other women groups across the country that have smiles on their faces because of programs run by Omollo. We’ll not tolerate those who want him removed from the docket,” Akenge said.
Imbo called on the ODM elected leaders who will defend their seats in 2027 to prepare for competition from UDA candidates.
“UDA is going to field candidates from MCA to governor. Let people decide on the ballot, not that we leave it for you,” Imbo said.
Gogo argued that ODM has sensed defeat in the areas it perceived as its bedrock due to lack of service delivery by elected leaders. She said ODM is not popular anymore due to wrangles pitting the leadership of the party.
“Why should they fear facing other candidates If they know they worked for the people? ODM is no longer a scare in Nyanza,” Gogo said.
Other women, Edith Odhiambo and Dorothy Auma, said PS Omollo should not be dragged into politics on the grounds that he is a public officer.
They told politicians from Homa Bay and other Luo Nyanza counties to focus on their mandate.
“They will be judged by performance not talking about Raymond Omollo. Let them concentrate on their work,’ Odhiambo said.
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