Borabu MP Ben Momanyi has cautioned Cord Chief Principal Raila Odinga against endorsing leaders in Nyamira County and instead concentrate on winning the presidency.
Momanyi on Friday alleged that some politicians from the region were misleading Odinga by urging him to endorse them as away of saving the political careers.
“I know Odinga is popular among the Nyamira voters and whoever works closely with him is likely to be elected to any seat of his or her desire. However, we don’t need instances where the politicians close to him mislead him targeting to use his popularity to win elections,” he said.
The lawmaker said that endorsing candidates was an outdated culture which undermines any democracy.
“Odinga should concentrate on campaigning for the presidency and leave the other seats for residents to decide. The culture of endorsing people ended long ago and is a blow to an advancing democracy,” he added.
Momanyi also claimed that endorsing leaders may be detrimental for Odinga’s camp and urged him to stay neutral throughout the campaign period not only in Nyamira but also in all opposition strongholds.
“He should stay neutral and let his people face each other without favours. That is the only way he can be able to consolidate Nyamira votes,” he said.
Nyamira County voted overwhelmingly for the ODM leader in the last general election and many politicians have been scrambling for the party's ticket ahead of 2017 polls.