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Home > EAST AFRICA RADIO USA > Don’t rely on me, Raila tells Nyanza hopefuls


	Podcast:		EAST AFRICA RADIO USA
	Episode:		Don’t rely on me, Raila tells Nyanza hopefuls
	Category:		Business
	Duration:		04:02:00
	Publish Date:		2011-10-22 17:00:00
	Description:		The political pattern in Nyanza is likely to change following last weekend’s declaration by Prime Minister Raila Odinga that he will not anoint or support any candidate. Raila’s statement has occasioned panic among incumbents who had hoped to ride on his support to ward off competition. Some had hoped the PM would anoint them for plum county positions such as governorship and Senate. Those who say it will entrench democracy by levelling the playing ground have, however, welcomed the declaration. In Nyanza, it is a common practice by most aspirants to invoke Raila’s name in their campaigns to win elections. But with the precedent already set by Raila, observers say the ball has been thrown to the voters. Analysts argue Raila’s move was deliberate and well calculated as he prepares himself for a third stab at the presidency. They argue the Prime Minister does not want to be saddled with local nomination controversies that would undermine his presidential bid. Instead, he would prefer to concentrate his energies on his presidential campaigns. Free will The premier spoke at the burial of Ambassador Michael Okeyo in Rusinga Island, Suba. He was categorical the electorate would have the free will to vote in MPs, senators and governors and that he would work with. "I will be ready to work with the people you give me. I hope you will give me a strong team. I want the people to have power to choose their own leaders," the ODM party leader said.Click here
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