Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has welcomed the presidential ambitions of former Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, saying the Constitution allows any eligible Kenyan to seek the country’s top office.
Speaking at Ramba Primary School during the commissioning of a fence and gate funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), Amollo noted that while declaring a presidential bid is straightforward, winning elections is the real challenge.
“Anyone who wants to vie for the presidency is free to do so. Fortunately, our Constitution allows anyone to declare. You can run as an independent or on a party ticket.
Running is not the difficult part; the difficult part is winning or even getting substantial votes,” Amollo said.
The legislator acknowledged Owalo as a native of Rarieda but emphasized that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains the dominant political force in the region.
“Eliud Owalo is a son of Rarieda. If he wants to run for president, he is free to do so. For us, we know that in this region our party is ODM, but we wish him well,” he added.
Amollo also dismissed claims that ODM is losing influence in Nyanza following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga. He cautioned against emerging political outfits seeking to capitalize on what they perceive as uncertainty within the party.
“There are many people who think that the death of Odinga is an opportunity to finish ODM in Nyanza and across the country,” Amollo said, insisting that the party remains strong and well-rooted.
The Rarieda MP further played down speculation that he is eyeing the Siaya gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election. Instead, he confirmed that his focus remains on defending his parliamentary seat.
“I intend to seek a third term as Rarieda Member of Parliament,” Amollo said.
