ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/ Nairobi Confidential]
NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga has received a hostile reception in his backyard of Siaya County during a campaign event. Mr Odinga was trying to campaign for Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, who many feel won the ODM primaries unfairly, when angry youths rose to heckle him. The former prime minister was with other NASA principals at his Bondo stronghold on Sunday when he was humiliated. The jeering started when Raila asked his supporters to use the six-piece system in the upcoming general election. They immediately raised their hands and voices in disapproval, according to a Star reporter. The voters did not seem to like Raila’s idea of voting for the president, governor, senator, women representative, MP and member of county assembly from ODM, which is perceived to favor certain candidates who are unpopular with the electorate. Analysts argue many ODM nominees in Nyanza lost in the primaries, but were nevertheless given party tickets, and voters intend to back independent candidates for various seats in the August 8 general election. “Do not embarrass me, ensure that our team comprising of Governor, Senator, Women representative, MP and MCA are one team,” Raila told the audience, as quoted by the Star. “We do not want Madoadoa (mixed parties) in Siaya County,” the ODM leader added. Wiper leader Alonzo Musyoka, Raila’s running mate, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Siaya Senator James Orengo were among NASA key officials who witnessed the humiliation that Raila got from his supporters. Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, who disputed the Siaya gubernatorial results, seemed to get a warm reception when he rose to speak.