Philip Etale [Photo-Courtesy]
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale has opted out of the Lugari parliamentary race in the fast-approaching August 9 polls.
Etale, who has been seen in public at various functions urging voters to elect him, said that he made the decision following a “lengthy deliberation” with his party leader, Raila Odinga, who is a presidential candidate under the Azimio la Umoja movement.
The outspoken communications chief told West FM that the decision will allow him to attend to his party’s duties as it strives to form the next government in the upcoming elections.
“I really respect my party leader and mentor, Raila Amollo Odinga, and I just want to work hard together with the other ODM team members and our partners in the Azimio la Umoja Movement to ensure ‘Baba’ becomes the fifth president,” Etale said.
Etale, apologizing to his supporters for the “disappointment”, said that his agenda for Lugari remains and he will vie in future elections under ODM.
“I know there are those who will feel disappointed by this move, I must say I’m really sorry, but I will be back in the race in 2027, God willing, and we will make our dreams come true,” he said.
The race to succeed Ayub Savula becomes even more stiff as analysts say rival contestants remain Kakamega County ODM rep Nabii Nabwera and business man Bryan Liseche.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.
