Raila leads ODM in congratulating Pavel Oimeke for clinching Bonchari seat

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has congratulated its candidate Pavel Oimeke for winning yesterday’s by-elections in Bonchari Constituency.

Led by its leader Raila Odinga, the party said the win in the just concluded by-election is a clear demonstration of the unwavering support and love for the decade only Party.

“Governor James Ongwae, the Kisii ODM team, the Abagusii community and the entire family of ODM, kazi mzuri,” Raila said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Oimeke garnered 8,049 votes against Jubilee’s Zepedeo Opore who had 7,279 votes. UDA candidate Teresa Oroo managed 6,954 votes.

The voter turnout was 50 percent with 26,526 total votes cast.
The seat fell vacant following the death of former MP the late John Oroo Oyioka.

Raila however took a swipe on police officer over what he termed as an abuse of police powers and an arrogant display of impunity by a few overzealous and bellicose government functionaries in the by-elections in Bonchari and Juja.

According to Raila, the peaceful co-existence post-2018 must not be taken for granted by some rogue elements wanting to confuse the handshake for an excuse to erode hard-earned liberties.

“An election process is an opportunity for the voters to express their will at the ballot and not an avenue to pursue imaginary and short-legged political interests,” the former premier said.

“Security forces exist to serve the people and not the interests of those out to conduct political experiments,” he said, adding that it must be stop.
On his part, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna thanked Bonchari campaign team led by Senator Sam Ongeri, Governor James Ongwae, Women representative Janet Ongera, ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, MPs and MCAs who doubled as agents for their immeasurable support.

“That teamwork and courage helped us surmount innumerable challenges. Oimeke it is!” Sifuna tweeted.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the Orange party thanked the former prime minister for his guidance and leadership throughout the campaign period in Bonchari.

“His wisdom and counsel ensured we did the right thing. To our MPs, thank you for your support,” said the statement.

“To all our supporters, elected leaders particularly MCAs both from Kisii and neighboring counties who served as agents, our youths who were vigilant at all times during the exercise, volunteers and the family of our candidate Pavel OIMEKE, we thank you all for enabling this victory,” the statement added.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae said the ODM win demonstrated the power of the ballot carries the day.

“No doubt that it is unnecessary to cause mayhem to peaceful Kenyans who are exercising their democratic right through our uniformed officers,” Ongwae said on Wednesday.

Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri noted that the sovereign will of the people has been heard loud and clear.

“Our victory is a demonstration of the fact that the interests that can divide us are far less than the common good that unifies us all.

In spite of the many challenges we were exposed to that are in the public domain, we kept our eyes on the ball, as it were, and we were able to muster the courage that enabled us to forge ahead, undeterred,” Ongeri said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Office of the Senator and people of Kisii County, I congratulate Eng. Oimeke as MP-elect, Bonchari Constituency, and wish him every bit of success as he assumes his new duties and responsibilities in the service of our people,” the senator added.

The senator said that his conviction that Eng. Oimeke will serve the people of Bonchari, Kisii County and the Republic of Kenya with unparalleled dedication.

“As Gusii leaders, we pledge to join hands with other leaders in the region in order to actualize the dreams of the people who gave us the mandate to serve them,” he said, saluting ODM supporters, well wishers, the campaign teams and fellow leaders in Gusii whose commitment enabled the party to attain this degree of success.

“We shall let bygones be bygones because our victory has vindicated us. Together, we shall achieve more and change the lives of our people,” he noted.

Nominated MCA Risper Maseme noted Oimeke’s victory is a true testimony that the ODM Party is the political vehicle of choice in Gusiiland.
“Despite the efforts to cajole and frustrate the people’s democratic will we stand with our heads held high,” Ms Maseme said

“Despite the heavy deployment of police, harassment and arrests we triumphed.” She added.