FINANCE assistant minister Oburu Oginga has said he will reject a direct nomination offer by ODM for the Siaya governor seat.Oburu told journalists at Park View Hotel in Kisumu yesterday that all aspirants will face a fair contest.
“I won't take free things. I am democratic and ready to face my potential challengers for the governor,” Oburu said.He said direct nomination is not honourable as it "does not reflect the face of the people".
Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo has refuted claims that he said the ODM top brass has promised Oburu a direct ticket.Oburu, 69, lashed out opponents criticising him over his age, saying there is no age limit for any aspirant enshrined in the constitution.
“I wish to tell my opponents to stop campaigning against me because of my age. They must stop arguing unconstitutionally because age is not a factor in a political contest,” he said.
Oburu added that those criticising his brother Prime Minister Raila Odinga because of his age "are not sincere".“His main opponents are over 50 years which is within the age bracket of the elderly. Why are they calling themselves Young Turks?” he posed.
Oburu said he is "younger" than some 50-year-old politicians, who call themselves youths, because of his lifestyle.He said it is in bad faith for politicians to stigmatise the elderly.
“Where do they want the elderly to go? Are they not Kenyans? Our political class must desist from dividing Kenyans on the basis of age,” said the Bondo MP.
He expressed confidence that he will clinch the ODM party ticket to contest for Siaya governor in the general election set for March 4.
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