[Mary Otara with a host of Jubilee Party officials when she defected from ODM party. The Orange party maintains that her move will not affect the popularity of the party. Photo/ Amina Kerubo]

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Sam Omwando says unprecedented exit of Kisii County MP Mary Otara from ODM party will not weaken the party’s influence in the region.

Otara, a first time legislator, on Sunday formally defected to Jubilee Party, days after siting frustrations with the Orange party.

And Omwando, who sits at interim ODM chair in Kisii, said the party will consolidate her eminent exit by fielding a stronger candidate.

“I am not saying that her exit hasn’t affected us but I probably think it will not weaken us. We wish her all the best in her new party.

“We will field a strong candidate as ODM so that we defend the seat successfully. This is a free nation and anyone is free to make political decisions. We did not compel her to bolt out anyway,” he said.

Otara’s move from ODM party has been attributed to the recent intention of former ODM Chief Executive Janet Ong’era to go for County Women Representative.

Ong’era, a close ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, has been in the front line organizing party events in Kisii County.