Migori Governor Okoth Obado joins his Siaya counterpart Cornel Rasanga in the list of outgoing governors who have trained their eyes on taking up roles as MPs next year.
After he successfully hosted Deputy President William Ruto in Migori county, Obado is said to have been convinced by the deputy president he needs him in the national assembly as one of the party leaders supporting his agenda in case they clinch the presidency next year.
In April this year, Governor Obado dismissed reports of him running for Uriri MP as inaccurate, and that the seat was too ‘small’ for his stature as an MP.
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”There are people who are saying, though they have not told me directly, that I am going to vie for an MP seat here in Uriri. I have made friends in Rongo, Awendo, Uriri, Nyatike, Suna West, Suna East, Kuria and everywhere in the county. I would not wish to drop them and start playing kalongo longo here in my village,” Governor Obado said in Uriri, at the burial of area MP Mark Nyamita on April 7th.
According to a source from Migori county assembly, Obado, also the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader is headed to play national politics, and this can only happen effectively in parliament.
”Intention is having PDP MPs and MCAs in Migori. He will be leading his MPs in parliament as he tries to dislodge ODM and Raila from South Nyanza,” the source said.
Speaking to residents of Rapogi on Saturday, September 25, Ruto stated that he was determined to work with Obado after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deserted the governor and even tried to impeach him. Ruto declared that he will work with Obado and form the next government, adding that ODM had been referring to the Migori County boss as his mole.
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The DP further stated that his friendship with Obado had also caused the governor to lose favour with the Raila Odinga-led party that enjoys immense popularity in the region.
”Obado is my friend and even ODM say he is Ruto’s mole and it’s because we have come from far together. When I was a minister I appointed him as the chairperson of the Kenya Sugar Board. The people of Rapogi I am asking you to give me Obado so that we can form the next government,” the DP said.
