Two gubernatorial aspirants in Kisumu have taken a swipe at ODM Governors from Western Kenya, accusing them of asking for free tickets from the party leader Raila Odinga because they have failed their voters.
The governors invited Raila to Naivasha where they petitioned him to assure them of free and fair nominations.
But Kisumu deputy governor Ruth Odinga and businessman Hezron McObewa read malice in their intentions.
Addressing the media separately, the two said the incumbents were in panic mode for failing to deliver the pledges of Devolution and were endearing themselves to Raila with aims of getting party ticket through the backdoor.
They challenged the county bosses to come to the ground "where they have failed the electorates and face off with us."
"Is it that they lack faith in the nomination process or fear that because they have failed the electorates they now want free tickets," she posed, "I believe ODM is one of the fairest parties and we have put in place new structures to correct past mistakes."
She said ODM has put in place a new team of commissioners and part officials as part of restructuring.
"It is unfair for those of us who are toiling on the grounds – seeking votes from the people – so that we can win the tickets while they (governors) are going to the party leader for backdoor routes
McObewa who is also salivating for the seat also criticized the move by governors. He said the current crop of governors has failed to meet expectations of the electorates.
"All elected leaders are on a five-year contract and when that expires, you should go back to the electorates. But the incumbents know they have failed and have gone into panic mode," he said.
He termed them as insincere and opportunistic.