Kenya: Millie Odhiamnbo political future as the next Mbita MP now hangs in the balance as more credible aspirants joint the election race in the same constituency

By Bob Ndira-Uradi

The nominated ODM MP Millie Odhiambo who is known as one of the Prime minister staunch female politicians supporters of the Prime Minister Raila Odinga will not get the Mbita parliamentary seat in a silver platter as was previously expected.

Odhiambo will now face one of the aspirants who is equally powerful and popular wit attractive track records of development to his credit.

The entryof Dr.Mark Matunga into the Mbita election race now leaves Millie Odhiambo in precarious position in which her successes in the election cannot be assured.

Announcing his entry into the Mbita election on Thursday morning this week, Dr. Matunga said in a terse statement posted to media houses that he was bowing down to the mounting pressure from the electorate who asking him to abandon his quest to become the first governor of the Homa-Bay County.

The 41 year old genius expert working for Mircosoft International Computer Company, but based in Nairobi, Kenya while covering East, Central an Southern Africa regions and is also a church minister with Phd doctorate degree in theology from an American University and clergyman hails from Wasamo sub-clan in Mfangano Island.

His campaign for the Homa-Bay County governor hit the ground two years ago and he has been t5aversng the full length and width of the County lobbying and canvassing for votes. He was considered by many people to be the leading contender for the governorship position.

However, his abrupt about-turn took place after attending a crucial elders meeting in his home turf in Mfangno Island last Friday.

The meeting which was held in his home drew hundreds of the participants from all over the Mfangano Island who resolve to request him no abandon his quest for Governor position and instead d to contest the Mbita parliamentary seat.

Millie Odhiambo hails from Rusinga Island, where she is also facing another challenge by her close cousin Phares Ogweno Ratego who is an executive with one of the NGO working closely with USAID. The two hails from Nyamuga village in Kolo sub-clan which is close to Waware Secondary School. Their homes are stone throw apart.

However, fears persist in Rusinga that the candidature of Odhiambo and her cousin Phares Ogweno Ratego would split the voters in Rusinga so their candidature could work to the advantge of Dr. Maunga, and for their own peril and disadvantage.

The fear has gripped Rusinga Island that the candidature of Odhiambo and Ratego could split the votes in the area thereby giving advantage to Dr.Matunga from the tin island of Mfangano.

Both Millie Odhianbo and dr Matunga are said to be friends for along time. Bopth had worked closely with the outgoing Mbita MP Gerald Otieno Kanjwang,’ the Immigration and Registration of Persons Minister before and thereafter the 2007general elections

The statistics of voter’s registration in Mbita constituency is pointing out that our of over 28,000, Mfangano Island has registered close to over8,000 voters followed by Rusinga Island, and Gembe comes third with close 6,000-voters wit the Lambwe valley Division coming last with the registration of 5,000 voters. .

Kajwang’ has now opted out of the race and will not be defending his seat. He has switched his attention to the contest of the Homa-Bay County Senate seat.

Two other aspirant have also sprung up from the mainland Gembe and lambwe locations.They are Caleb Orwa who hails from Gembe and Omondi Odalo who are from Lambwe area.The two are, however, considered as political novices in comparison to much experienced Millie Odhiambo and Dr Mark Matunga.

In this interesting election contest which would be pitting the two old friends fighting for one ODM ticket durng the party’s primary nomination scheduled for next month, Dr Matunga will bank on his very illustrious tack record of development in both Mfangano and Rusinga islands.

He has also participated in development activities on the mainland Mbita

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