Former police spokesman Charles Owino’s decision to withdraw as former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo’s running mate in the Siaya governor’s election has sparked controversy.
Details have surfaced about how senior government officials met to discuss the experienced police officer’s return to duty.
His supporters claimed he bowed out of the campaign due to pressure from Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Many people are perplexed by the decision of a man who had set his sights on politics but changed his mind on several occasions in the run-up to the August 9 elections.
Read: Ex-Police Spokesperson Owino Drops Siaya Gubernatorial Bid, To Deputise Nicholas Gumbo
After announcing his early retirement from the service, he was called back into the National Police Service.
Mr Owino is regarded an asset in the service, according to police sources, and his application for early retirement was denied by the National Police Service Commission.
Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai recalled Mr Owino to serve as the director of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Some of Mr Gumbo’s supporters think he betrayed them when he relinquished his governorship ambitions, while others say his departure will have little impact.
Read Also: Ex-Police Spokesperson Charles Owino Joins ODM as Race for Siaya Governor Seat Hots Up
A senior government official yesterday told the Standard: “He is a top officer who has served the country well in different capacities.”
He escalated his campaign for governor of Siaya earlier this year by joining Raila Odinga’s ODM, where he was welcomed by Alego Usonga party chairman Orwenjo Umidha.
Mr Owino jumped ship and joined Gumbo in the United Democratic Movement as it became evident that ODM had decided to award Siaya Senator James Orengo a direct ticket (UDM).
If the NPSC did indeed reject his bid to retire early, legal experts say he may be able to return to the service.
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Mr Gumbo’s side has settled on veteran journalist David Ohito to replace Mr Owino as the Deputy Governor.
Ohito is the current Secretary-General of the UDM Party. He previously worked for the Mandera County government as Chief of Staff.
He also worked as the Digital Editor at the Standard Group PLC before joining the county government.
“I’m glad that Gumbo has settled on me as his running mate. I bring a wealth of leadership experience, from my stints as Chief of Staff in Mandera and Senior Editor at the Standard Group,” said Ohito.
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