Editor's Review

Migori Governor Okoth Obado has refuted allegations that he was intending to join Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).


Migori Governor Okoth Obado has refuted allegations that he was intending to join Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader during an interview with a local radio station stated that he is in PDP to stay. Obado quit ODM for PDP.

The Migori governor further dubbed UDA a small party.


Migori Governor Okoth Obado and Deputy President William Ruto. |Photo| Courtesy|

"UDA is just a small party which was started recently. PDP took me and made me a governor in 2013.

“UDA is thus a political baby that cannot be compared to PDP which is more mature. I only need more people to join me at PDP and make it bigger instead of folding it up for others," he remarked.

Obado clarified that he is not supporting DP Ruto or Odinga.

He further stated that he will not be seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as head of state on August 9, 2022.

“There is no seat I will seek in Migori County in the next polls. And since PDP is driven by the wish and voice of common citizens, I will ask them where the political wind is blowing then follow,” he remarked.

Obado caused a stir after he skipped DP Ruto's tour of Migori on January 9. The governor had been perceived to be an ally of the DP.

He explained that during the DP's rally, he was at a mine that had collapsed and trapped some of his constituents.'

The governor stated that he does not owe anybody an explanation for hosting Ruto since he is the Deputy President. He clarified that attending another politician's rally does not necessarily mean decamping to their faction.

“Why are you concerned with my issues? Why is it that when I attend the DP’s meetings I’m deemed to have defected to his camp but when Raila attends Kalonzo Musyoka’s and Gideon Moi’s [political events] he is not accused of defecting to their parties?” Obado wondered.