Luo Elders Send Warning to Raila Odinga

The National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga has been warned by the Luo Council of Elders that he risks denting his presidential aspirations if he does not allow Nyanza people to elect leaders of their wish.

The caution by the Elders comes after calls by the former Prime Minister rooting for six piece voting system amid protests from section of supporters backing independent candidates.

“We understand the residents of this region, especially the Luo, (and we) know how they will vote... They should be left to freely decide whether to go for the six-piece voting pattern or not,” the council’s chairman, Opiyo Otondi said.

The elders warned Raila to be cautious during his campaigns to avoid possible falling-out among NASA supporters in the region.

Otondi warned that if chaos continues to be witnessed in Raila’s campaigns, his candidature will not attract voters, urging him to embrace other candidates who have pledged support for his presidential aspirations.

“Leaders and residents from other communities have pledged their support for Odinga yet we are washing our dirty linen in public,” said Otondi.

The Council’s Homa Bay Branch Secretary, Joram Okola, asked Odinga to abandon the six piece voting calls and focus on marshaling votes for his bid.

“Supporters and candidates of other NASA affiliate parties feel they are being side-lined through the call for the six-piece voting pattern. It should be stopped for the good of the coalition,” said Okola.