Douglas Opijah opts out of the Lugari Ward race

Lugari Ward aspiring Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Douglas Opijah, has opted out of the race in favor of United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate Grey Moi.

Opijah, who spoke to the Western Kenya Times this morning, said he has decided to step aside to ‘”fully support his party to clinch the leadership of the region”.

“I am behind Grey Moi as my MCA and Bryan Liseche as my Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency. I will support my party leader Cyrus Jirongo. Come 2027 I will be on the ballot,” he said.

The leader has urged his supporters to be patient, saying that his interests for society remain.

“I will continue with my projects as before, I will be with them all the time,” he said.

Opijah had earlier announced that he’d contest for the seat under the UDP ticket. He said today that it was given directly to Grey Moi after the party leader Cyrus Jirongo settled on him “owing to his vast experience in politics”.

When asked why he wouldn’t go independent as done by some other politicians, Opijah said: “If I would have failed in the nominations and seen that I have enough support, I would have gone independent,” he said.

He added that he will be working closely with Grey Moi until his time is ripe in 2027 when he will be officially on the ballot paper.

Mr. Opijah has become popular recently thanks to his initiative of giving out books and bursaries to needy learners in the ward.

Sam Oduor

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.