Kakamega outgoing senator and Kenya Kwanza gubernatorial candidate seeking to replace incumbent governor Wickliffe Oparanya, Cleophas Malala’s step mother Jackline Okanya has today, Wednesday, 3rd August decamped from Ruto’s led Kenya Kwanza Alliance to join Raila’s Azimio – One Kenya coalition, with less than days remaining to Tuesday contest.
Speaking on Wednesday, 3rd August, at Bukhungu stadium during Azimio – One Kenya last campaign rally in the region, Mumias West MP aspirant jumped from Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza ship and endorsed Raila Odinga’s presidency, citing confidence in Raila and Martha Karua’s candidature.
She asured to rally her supporters in Mumias West constituency to back Raila’s candidature ahead of Tuesday presidential race.
“I want to confirm here at Bukhungu that I have officially joined Azimio – One Kenya and I render my support to Raila and Martha Karua’s candidature. I will rally my supporters in Mumias West constituency to back Azimio ahead of Tuesday battle” she said.
Jackline Okanya with Fernandez Barasa
She also affirmed to woo her ardent supporters to vote for ODM party candidate for Kakamega gubernatorial contest, Fernandez Barasa, and defied her step son,Cleophas Malala for the same seat.
“I will campaign rigorously for ODM candidate Fernandez Barasa in Mumias West constituency and ensure that he gets more votes in the remaining days to Tuesday election” she added.
Jackline Okanya has been engaging in a bruise political spat with Malala, accusing senator for secretly courting for her main challenger in Mumias West constituency parliamentary seat, Rashid Echesa, the former sports CS.
Mrs Okanya accused Malala for campaigning for Echesa (UDA) candidate) despite her vying for the MP seat on Mudavadi’s ANC party (Malala’s party).
Raila Odinga is expected to hold a major rally at Kisumu International stadium in his rural turf on Thursday, 4th August, while deputy president William Ruto is set to tour coastal region for a maga rally at Tononoka ground.
