"Absurd!" - MP Oimeke slams Raila's ODM for issuing direct ticket to U.S-based businessman

Bonchari MP Pavel Oimeke has told off the ODM Party for giving US-Based businessman man Jonah Ondieki a direct ticket rather than opting for party nominations in the constituency.

Speaking to a local media house on Thursday afternoon, Oimeke said that it was an absurd decision to give the candidate who finished in fourth position during the Binchari by-election the ticket.

"It is indeed a sad day for the people of Bonchari since they were ready even to participate in the ODM party nomination to choose me to participate in the August election. It is absurd that the candidate who emerged fourth in the by-election held in May 2021 is the one given the direct nomination," Oimeke told The Standard.

'Arati, Onyonka interfering'

According to the lawmaker, the move to issue direct party tickets was orchestrated by Kisii gubernatorial aspirant Simba Arati and Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka.

Oimeke won the parliamentary seat on May 19, 2021 through a by-election occasioned by the death of the then incumbent John Oroo Oyioka. 

In the by-election, Zebedeo Opore of Jubilee finished in second place while Oyioka's widow, Teresa Bitutu of UDA came third.

Meanwhile, Onkendi who has been handed a direct ticket by ODM finished in the fourth position during the by-election.

"I would like to thank the ODM party for recognising that I am the most popular candidate in Bonchari. I promise to deliver this seat and presidential votes for Raila Odinga in August," said Onkendi.