Siaya MCA Aspirant with Disability Andrew Omwende Beats the Odds to Win ODM Primaries

MCA aspirant Andrew Omwende was no ordinary winner in the just concluded ODM Siaya primaries.

Despite his infirmity, Omwende emerged victorious in the Sigomere ward race.

He beat the incumbent Erick Odawa by a huge margin.

Since 2007, the former national volleyball player has been active in politics and has exploited sports to gain support.

Read: Ex-Police Spokesperson Charles Owino Joins ODM as Race for Siaya Governor Seat Hots Up

“I have dared to dream big despite living with a disability, I believe my main purpose on earth is to serve common people. This is my mission on earth and I believe I will achieve it,” he said.

He made his political debut in 2007 when he ran for local council elections, but did not fare well.

“The first time I contested, I lost to my opponent and this gave me some valuable lessons that helped me win the Sigomere seat in 2013. Politics is not a bed of roses and even after you are elected there are many things that come with all the elective positions,” he added.

In the 2017 elections, he was defeated by Mr Odawa, who had won the ODM primaries.

Read Also: Ex-Police Spokesperson Owino Drops Siaya Gubernatorial Bid, To Deputise Nicholas Gumbo

“My opponent became wiser than me in 2017. This again gave me a chance to re-strategise and today I have managed to get the party ticket. This is a victory for all of us and I believe we shall work together to make things better for the people of Sigomere and Siaya County,” he said.

However, he attributed his 2017 loss to shady dealings. As a result, however, he was nominated by ODM to represent individuals with disabilities.

He scoffed at the suggestion that he entered politics to take advantage of his handicap.

“I didn’t join politics for sympathy votes or to be considered for nomination. If that was the case, I would not be campaigning in the villages looking for votes,” he said.

Read Also: Former Police Spokesperson Owino Picks Midiwo’s Widow to Deputise Him in Siaya

Omwende is also recognized with establishing the yearly Ambira sitting volleyball competition. Athletes with impairments from all over the country compete in the tournament.

“Participating in sitting volleyball at the national and international level opened doors that ordinarily I could not have managed.”

He bemoaned Kenya’s political violence, claiming that people like him are frequently injured.

“When someone living with disability shows interest in an elective seat, people often discredit them without a second thought. This notion should change and people be offered equal opportunity,” he said.