Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday led a campaign convoy in Migori county ahead of the looming senatorial by-election in the county.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader drummed up support for the party candidate Ochilo Ayacko, terming him the best for the seat.
With the direct nomination of Ayacko earlier having resulted to a revolt by among others, the county Governor Okoth Obado, Odinga noted that the former Cabinet Minister's nomination resulted from both the will of the party, and preference by the locals.
Addressing a crowd in Rongo, he noted that Ayacko passed the loyalty test in the Orange party, hence the decision to handpick him.
"We conducted an opinion poll in Migori and he emerged the winner. His loyalty to ODM is also tried and tested," he was quoted by the Daily Nation.
Among hopefuls who missed out on the ODM ticket is former Rongo lawmaker Dalmas Otieno who has since been nominated to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Ayacko is set to face stiff competition from Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) candidate Eddy Oketch, who is reportedly enjoying Obado's backing.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Senator Ben Oluoch Okello in June, with the repeat set for October 8.