NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 — United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates who unsuccessfully vied for elective seats in Kisumu County have appealed to President William Ruto to consider them when making State appointments.
Led by Erick Osenya, UDA Kisumu Chairperson, the leaders said despite not receiving significant votes from the area, President Ruto had made an attempt to appoint people from the region.
“We thereby thank the President for appointing a large number of Luo nation as CAS and it is a great honor for the community despite that we did not give a large number of votes,” he said.
“We however do feel that next time such a thing is done members who fought for UDA and particularly the candidates should be given also some considerations because as it stands none of our candidates in the entire Kisumu has been considered.”
Osenya said, some of the previous applicants for various positions in the lakeside city should also be considered while making such appointments.
He said that some people suffered greatly and made enemies within the community which predominantly supported the opposition in order to ensure that the party obtained votes.
Endured suffering
“We are not against any person or member of the Luo community being appointed, but the party should also consider that the 11,000 votes received from Kisumu, there are people who did their best.”
“All we are requesting the President is that he should at least consider some of the candidates.”
Odenyo’s statement came after President William Ruto nominated 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries to deputize Cabinet Secretary.
President Ruto, who increased the number of CASs 29 under his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta mostly rewarded loyalists who lost elections in August 2022.
The intrigues in the appointment of the CASs began with the shortlisting, with six of the 16 people who were added after the first list was out being part of the 50 who secured nominations.
Apart from politicians who lost in the polls, the Head of State also rewarded individuals who played a vital role in his campaigns behind the scenes.
Campaigners awarded include Dennis Itumbi, a digital strategist who is poised to deputize ICT CS Eliud Owalo.
