Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with some of his close relatives. Photo: Jambo News Spot/jambonewspot.comApril, the month ODM is set to conduct party primaries is fast approaching and close allies and relatives of Raila Odinga face a strenuous task to prevail in the exercise.The former Prime Minister's elder brother Oburu Odinga, Ruth Odinga, Cousins Jakoyo Midiwo and Carey Orege and Daughter Rosemary Odinga are all facing formidable candidates.Ruth has her boss Jack Ranguma, Senator Anyang Nyong'o, businessman Hezron McObewa, Ska Nyangara and Chrispine Ondiek to contend with.Oburu has to overcome incumbent Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, while Jakoyo has a pile of politician eyeing to topple him in the Gem parliamentary seat, notably Elisha Odhiambo, Engineer Booker Ngesa, Otieno Rading, TJ Okinda, and Fabian Oriaro.
Rosemary is facing the most successful Kibra MP Ken Okoth and her father's former aide Eliud Owalo in the city politics.
Orege also has the hard task of beating Governor Cornel Rasanga.The race for the orange ticket is also giving Odinga's cronies tough nights. MPs John Mbadi, Junet Mohamed, Millie Odhiambo, and Edick Anyanga are in for a bruising battle to retain their seats.Millie faces Dave Okello, Jim Akali, Ray Obachi, Ayodo Nyabwana, and Judy Kamaria.Mbadi also has former Raila Odinga chief of staff Caroli Omondi to face off with, while Junet will fight it out with former Migori MP John Pesa and independent candidate Patrick Odipo who has even formed an alliance with Pesa all in an effort to ensure Junet does not retain his seat.Anyanga also has his own battles to face in Nyatike, he is set to face Fredrick Ogenga, Tom Odege, Saka Ratteng and Julie Owino.ODM leader Raila Odinga has repeatedly said this time round he will ensure there is free and fair nomination despite his closeness with some of the aspirants.However, from historical precedents will Raila stand by his word and ensure free and fair primaries in ODM?