As ODM leader Raila Odinga makes a return to South Nyanza for Ochillo Ayacko's campaigns, his phone call to locals on Tuesday has elicited sharp debate online.

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Mr. Odinga, through Junet Mohammed's phone, asked Migori voters to vote for Ayacko in Monday's by-election.

But the tactic is not new given his contribution towards Richard Onyonka's re-election last year in November.

At Eroga, through Moses Wetangula's phone, Raila then asked ODM supporters to back Onyonka at the expense of party's candidate Sam Omwando.

Mr. Wetangula, then campaigning for Onyonka who had joined Ford Kenya from ODM, put Odinga on a loudspeaker as enthusiastic supporters listened to his lecture.

With his support in Gusii region being unquestionably big, Mr. Onyonka cruised to victory after the famous phone call support.

In the elections, Onyonka scooped 10,000 votes, Antony Kibagendi 5,000 while Mr. Omwando, who was the sacrificial lamb, emerged third with 4,500 votes.

Throughout his subsequent meetings, Omwando has always insisted that Odinga's phone call changed things against his wish.

Mr. Onyonka, now eyeing Gusii spokesman position, had quit ODM after accusing party henchmen of plotting to rig him.

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