West Mugirango MP James Gesami has downplayed reports that intensive campaigns for the ODM ticket in the gubernatorial race for the 2017 elections may divide key party members in the region.
Mr Gesami is at loggerheads with Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama as the two wrestle to get the party ticket, and their differences have been manifested in a number of functions among them the recent tour to the region by party leader Raila Odinga.
And now Gesami who also doubles as the party’s county chairperson on Wednesday told this writer that the internal competition among members was healthy, adding that it will strengthen the party.
“The competition for the gubernatorial ticket on ODM in Nyamira cannot divide us at all. This is part of internal democracy where we compete and the winner takes it all,” he said.
“Internal competition makes us stronger and we must embrace it. It’s not a sign of disunity as many people think. This should not only apply to the Nyamira gubernatorial race but all other seats on contention,” he said.
He pledged to support whoever who wins the ticket in an open democratic process and vowed to support him or her for the sake of unity.
“I am ready to support whoever wins in the open process. What we all know is that ODM doesn’t belong to specific individuals because it’s the people’s party,” he said.