Boost for Natembeya as ODM’s Khaoya Quits Gubernatorial Race

In a deal negotiated by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party flag bearer Raila Odinga on Friday morning, Moses Khaoya, an Orange Democratic Movement gubernatorial hopeful in Trans Nzoia county, has bowed out of the race in favour of Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) aspirant George Natembeya.

Raila, who was on a one-day tour of the cosmopolitan county, said the action is aimed at consolidating Azimio la Umoja support and delivering the governor seat in the polls.

“George Natembeya and Moses Khaoya are all my sons. You all know our enemy is not within but those in Tangatanga, if we fight amongst ourselves we shall be giving them an early win. In view of that, I have convinced Moses Khaoya to step down in favour of Natembeya, therefore Natembeya is the sole Azimio governorship candidate in Trans Nzoia, ” said Raila.

Read: George Natembeya Resigns to Focus on Race for Trans Nzoia Governor Seat

Khaoya was offered the job of managing the former Prime Minister’s presidential campaign in Trans Nzoia County.

Khaoya welcomed the offer and pledged to campaign for the former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, who is contending with Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, who is also the Secretary-General of FORD Kenya.

“I have accepted to support my brother George so that we can deliver this seat to Azimio. The handshake we have had is a symbol that all the parties in Azimio la Umoja are united for a common good for all of us,” Khaoya said.

Read Also: Natembeya to Vie for Trans Nzoia Governor’s Seat on DAP-K Party Ticket

Natembeya on his part thanked Raila and his former opponent, for backing his gubernatorial bid.

“Thank you so much baba for what you have just done. I did not expect this to happen. As usual, there are two things, Baba is never wrong and secondly, if you are in doubt refer to the first rule above,” the former police boss said.

Chris Wamalwa of FORD Kenya, who has the backing of Kenya Kwanza Alliance principles, George Natembeya, the lone Azimio la Umoja candidate in Trans Nzoia County, and Jim Nduruchi, the Founder of Rise Up Society, who is running as an Independent candidate, are presently the only candidates in the race.

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To succeed Governor Patrick Khaemba, the three will seek support from over 395,000 registered voters in the county.