Leave opposition to others, Nyanza residents told

By Peter Ochieng

Residents of Nyanza have been urged to join the ruling United Democtratic Alliance (UDA) party in large numbers, and 'leave opposition to others.'

Speaking in Nyando constituency on Thursday morning, former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino said residents of the region, which brings together Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties have been in opposition for long.

The six counties are opposition strongholds, with Azimio leader Raila Odinga enjoying near fanatical following.

"Try very hard to join the ruling UDA party. We have been in opposition for very long. Let us leave opposition to other people," said Owino who is the UDA coordinator in Siaya County.

"Let us start planning early so that we join the government through UDA," he added.

Owino doubles up as Chairperson, Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC).

He challenged former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa to apologise to Kisumu residents for 'removing' Jack Ranguma from the position of governor.

Ranguma served as the first Kisumu governor from 2013 to 2017.

His bid to retain the seat hit a snag after Outa and a host of other leaders threw their weight behind Anyang' Nyong'o, then Senator.

Nyong'o is serving his last term in office after defeating Ranguma in 2017 and 2022.

Outa who was present did not take Owino's challenge.

He instead urged area residents to stop politicking, adding that it is time for development.

"We want to urge our people to stop dirty politics. We have decided that we will work with president William Ruto's administration, and that we will persuade our people to support his government," he added.

The former Nyando MP did not vie for any political seat in 2022.