[Rosemary Odinga with his father Raila Odinga and mother Ida Odinga. She has formally withdrawn from Kibra constituency race. Photo/Facebook.com]
Rosemary Odinga’s decision to opt out of Kibra constituency race could ease political temperatures that had locked the Nairobi County constituency.
Having announced her candidature earlier this year, Ms. Odinga, the eldest daughter of opposition leader Raila Odinga, sent shocks across the country with a section of opponents questioning the move.
And on Monday, the young Odinga said her health condition could not allow her to participate in ODM primaries that have since been cancelled for a later date.
“I hope everyone is okay. I had been flown to South Africa for specialized treatment and I must say that I have recovered greatly.
“To my Kibra constituency supporters and ODM family, I have decided to withdraw my candidature due to my health. However, I wish the party well in nominations and General Elections,” said Odinga.
But her withdrawal could easy tension among incumbent Ken Okoth and former Odinga’s aide Eliud Owalo, who had accused Mr. Odinga of imposing her daughter on them.
Rosemary’s father, Raila Odinga served as MP in the region for two decades as Lang’ata constituency before it was split into Kibra and Lang’ata respectively.