BY PATRICK MATHEKA

Former Migori county executive and a Member of Parliament aspirant in last polls has been elected into a traditional community role.

Elijah Odhiambo who worked in the administration of former Migori governor Okoth Obado and unsuccessfully vied against Suna East MP Junet Mohammed in the past polls was elected as ogai by members of the Kadika sub-clan.

The election was done by memebers of the sub-clan at Nyamware village in Migori town and the ogai will seat as a representative of the Suba Council of Elders, which brings toger over a dozen sub-clans in the Suna clan area transversing mostly Suna East and Suna West constituencies.

Odhiambo was elected unopposed after the other candidates voluntarily stepped down and endorsed his candidature.

Jaduong Okobe withdrew from the race due to his responsibilities as a bishop, a religious position which will clash with cultural and political duties of th ogai.

Former Kwa MCA Odoyo Odara who was also seeking the position stepped down in faviour of Odhiambo.

“I am indebted by this gesture, this is a new chapter for the community, we had lacked an ogai to push our ionterests as Kadika people,” Odhiambo said.

He explained that the office would provide the community with an official representative capable of engaging political leaders, government officials, and development partners on matters affecting the clan.

Odhiambo emphasized that the Kadika Clan remains politically neutral, but will be open to seek opportunities.

“Our responsibility is to unite our people and ensure that development opportunities reach every member of the Kadika community. We shall listen to leaders who come with genuine development agendas and allow our people to make their own democratic choices,” he said.

Election Board Secretary Oballa Clinton congratulated the newly elected Ogai and thanked all candidates and community members for conducting a peaceful election characterized by unity and mutual respect.

Sentiments which were shared by Election Board Chair Dickson Odie who praised the orderly nature of the exercise and encouraged residents to continue working together for the common good of the community.

In last polls Odhiambo who rode on Independent ticket got 2,266 to come fourth as Junet Mohammed won with over 27,516 votes on ODM ticket.

Former Kileleshwa MCA Elias Okumu on DAP-K ticket was second with 4,978 votes as MDG candidate Odipo Patrick was third with 4,808 votes.

Samuel Amino, an independent candidate got 1,280 while Hassan Bashir came last with 686 votes