Nancy Odindo is a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Odindo has over six years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2023.
Kanyaluo MCA Jeff Ongoro, also known as Sirikal, has announced he will not seek re-election under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banner, declaring instead his intention to contest the Karachuonyo parliamentary seat on the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party ticket in the 2027 General Election.
Ongoro made the disclosure in an interview with TUKO.co.ke on Wednesday, November 4, saying he had lost confidence in ODM's ability to serve his political interests, particularly given his deteriorating relationship with Homa Bay governor and ODM national chairperson, Gladys Wanga.
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The two-term MCA said the fallout with the governor had directly affected service delivery in his ward, making it difficult for him to maintain projects he initiated during the previous administration under former governor Cyprian Awiti.
He added that raising concerns about budget allocations had cost him his positions within the county assembly, saying he was removed from seven committees and left with only one, which he described as dormant.
Ongoro also cited what he called unacceptable ideological positions within ODM, saying there were stances he could no longer support. He expressed confidence in MDG, pointing to the work done by Ugenya MP David Ochieng, the party's leader, in his constituency as evidence of what the party stands for.
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Ongoro confirmed he is backing an unnamed gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 polls, expressing confidence that his preferred candidate will prevail. He said voters in Karachuonyo would base their decisions on track records rather than party affiliations.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to President William Ruto's two-term bid, aligning himself with other MDG aspirants who have expressed support for the president's re-election.
Ongoro's exit from ODM adds to a growing wave of political realignment in Homa Bay county ahead of the 2027 polls, with internal tensions within the party increasingly playing out in public.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
