Kisumu Residents Voice Association Chairman Mr Audi Ogada has distanced himself from claims that the recently formed Kisumu Diaspora Community has a preferred candidate in the Kisumu County gubernatorial race.
The group, which was formed recently to cater for interests of people living and working in Kisumu but coming from neighboring counties, consists of business people, activists and politicians.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu, Mr Ogada who is the group's secretary and spokesperson said that they have no preferred candidate given the fact that various candidates have already declared a bid to unseat Governor Jack Ranguma.
The group was recently linked to supporting Ms Ruth Odinga, who is among the leaders warming up to what may eventually turn out to be a hotly contested gubernatorial race.
“There has been a perception that we are a tool or a puppet for some of the aspirants in this county. I want to dispel this, I want to differ with this,” said the spokesperson.
Kisumu Senator Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Ms Ruth Odinga and Ogra Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Hezron Mac’Ombewa have already declared interests to unseat Ranguma ahead of next year’s polls.
But before the polls, all the leaders will have to go through a nomination process to clinch the ODM party ticket.