Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga will not endorse politicians seeking positions in the 2022 general election, his wife Ida Odinga has said.
Ida cautioned politicians against using her family name to woo voters, urging them to deliver on their current mandate so they can succeed in the ballot come next polls.
Speaking at Asango Primary School in Ugunja, Siaya County, she said voters will be allowed to elect leaders they want and reiterated no one will be endorsed.
“The era of endorsing non-performing politicians to take up leadership (posts) against wishes of the electorate is over. Anybody interested in senator, governor, MP, women rep or MCA seats must implement services that interest voters for their verdict at the ballot box will be final,” she said as quoted by People Daily.
Ida spoke during the weekend at the homecoming party of nominated MCA Andrew Omwende who represents interests of people living with disability in the Siaya County Assembly.
She said democracy was taking root in the ODM, adding the recent Kibra nominations was proof the party was committed in honouring the wishes of the electorate.
“Those in leadership and are still hoping to seek higher positions or get re-elected must not bank their hopes on us to endorse them but should see to it that the services they are currently delivering have great impact on the electorate, who shall consider their next bids through voting,” she said.
Raila has been under pressure to endorse wade into Saiya politics and endorse Governor Cornel Rasanga's successor.
Those eyeing the position are area Senator James Orengo, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo.