NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga with Mavoko parliamentary ODM nominee Michael Mutuku (left) and Athi River Township MCA ODM candidate Tyrus Omondi at a rally in Mavoko Stadium, Athi River town on Saturday. [Photo/Maugo Owiti]
Mavoko parliamentary ODM candidate Michael Mutuku has slammed NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s call for him to step down for Wiper candidate Patrick Makau.
Mutuku said it was unfair for his party leader to publicly endorse his rival despite the fact he is the most popular among the Mavoko constituents.
“My party leader Raila Odinga ought to have enquired from locals their preferred candidate for Mavoko parliamentary seat before making such an announcement. He endorsed the weakest candidate for the position,” said Mutuku.
He addressed the public at a meeting in Athi River town on Sunday.
“My party leader is a democrat, he should have not done that as a role model. He has undermined the supreme will of the people,” said Mutuku.
Mutuku said the NASA presidential candidate was misled by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his political rival Patrick Makau who is eyeing for the same position on Wiper ticket.
“It is improper for the NASA supremo to undermine the will of electorates by imposing on them the most unpopular candidate,” said Mutuku.
“Our supporters should not be angered with the remarks, they should continue campaigning for Raila in support of his presidency bid. The NASA presidential candidate did not make the announcement intentionally but was misinformed by Wiper party leader Kalonzo and Makau,” said Mutuku.
He said the duo cheated Raila that Mavoko is a Wiper zone, “even Machakos County is not a wiper zone, Mavoko is cosmopolitan and I will defeat Makau clean and square on August 8,” he added.
Mutuku said the ODM leader is his political mentor.
He said it was unfair for him to be forced to step down for another candidate only six days to the ballot after utilizing his time and resources in serious campaigns criss-crossing the constituency mobilizing for votes.
“Raila is my political mentor and an advocate of democracy in Africa, he should seek his presidency votes and leave the locals to decide on their leaders in positions of governor, senator, MPs, woman representative and MCAs,” said Mutuku.
He said he has been campaigning for Raila’s presidency and his parliamentary bid since 2014.
Mutuku said he had spent more than Sh20 million in the campaigns since he launched them.
He said he paid Sh270,000 for ODM party nomination certificate.
“I started my campaigns in 2014, that is when my official car was clamped down by Machakos government when defending county workers who had not been paid their salaries,” said Mutuku.
“I have campaigned strongly for NASA 24/7 day and night for the last three months, that is why Makau fears me,” said Mutuku.
Some residents from Western region protested the Raila’s endorsement.
They said people had made their minds on their preferred candidates hence know kind of announcement will destruct their decisions.
“Mutuku cannot step down for anyone, we will meet on the ballot,” said Gusii elder Christopher Otwabe.