[ODM party leader Raila Odinga when officially received former Kenya’s ambassador to Tanzania Chirau Ali Mwakwere (sitted right). Photo/rao.co.ke]
The ODM party leader Raila Odinga officially received former Kenya’s ambassador to Tanzania Chirau Ali Mwakwere, to the party, after he defected from the Jubilee Party.
Chirau who vied for Kwale County's senatorial race in 2013, on a URP ticket and lost to ODM’s the late Boy Juma Boy, was appointed to the ambassadorial post as a reward for his loyalty to president Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party.
Following Kwale governor Salim Mvurya's defection from ODM to Jubilee, Mwakere popularly known as 'Zipapa', saw a direct path and resigned from Jubilee, to join ODM.
Jubilee critics say this is a direct ticket oust Mvurya out of office, come August 8.
Former Kinango MP Simeon Mkalla is expected to be Mwakwere’s running-mate.
Raila received Zipapa, Thursday at his Capitoll Hill offices, where they held talks, as he seeks a direct ticket to beat Mvurya.
ODM was to receive him, earlier, but postponed in honour of the late Kwale senator and ODM strong member, Juma Boy after he died of short illness.
Raila also hosted social media activist and supporter Sam Okemwa at Capitol Hill.
''Known for his innovative critiques on governance, Okemwa has grown to become a household name. I celebrate his efforts at creating change from an individual level,'' said the Nasa principal.