Siaya Senator James Orengo has refuted claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has a list of preferred candidates for elective positions in Siaya County for the 2022 general election.
Reports emerged on Tuesday, October, 12 that the Orange party had settled on Senator Orengo for the Siaya gubernatorial position that forced the withdrawal of Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi from the race.
Raila's brother Oburu Oginga, is also seeking to replace Orengo in the Senate.
In a statement issued by Mr. Orengo on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, he termed the reports false meant to interfere with the ongoing voter registration.
"As far as I am aware ODM has not conducted any nominations and there are no preferred candidates in Siaya County or elsewhere.
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"On my part, I have not declared the seat I will contest for in next year's general elections. I also want to confirm that I'm not in any contrived line-up of candidates and condemn any such moves to stifle democracy within the party," part of the statement reads.
MP Opiyo Wandayi
Opiyo Wandayi Withdraws From 2022 Gubernatorial race
Last week, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi announced that he had withdrawn from the 2022 Siaya Gubernatorial race.
MP Wandayi stated that after consultations with the ODM party, he had pulled out of the governor race.
“Following consultations with ODM leadership and the rank and file of the party and having listened keenly to the voices of my Ugunja constituents, I wish to make it known that I shall not be a candidate for the position of Governor of Siaya in 2022,” Wandayi said.
