[ODM leader Raila Odinga in a past event. He dropped ODM candidate for Kitutu Chache South at the expense of Ford Kenya candidate. Photo/Nation]
An opinion poll carried out by the NASA strategists guided Raila Odinga's last minute support for a Ford Kenya candidate for Kitutru Chache South parliamentary poll, a source has confirmed.
With hours to Tuesday's mini poll, Odinga backed Richard Onyonka at the expense of Sam Omwando, in unprecedented move.
"We came with an agreement that we support one strong candidate and we must also vote as one unit," said Odinga on Friday and Ruga center.
But the source who spoke in confidence has dismissed claims that Odinga is paying back to Ford Kenya's Moses Wetangula for continued support at national level.
"Our team visited the constituency and established that Onyonka has an upper hand. Since the seat is closely contested, we had to sacrifice other three NASA aspirants."
The election was postponed by IEBC following the death of Lenard Mwamba of Jubilee few weeks to August elections.
Onyonka has already served for two terms and is seeking the third one. Also in the race are Jubilee's Antony Kibagendi, Andrew Maubi (Wiper) and Justus Mochoge (ANC).