Ndhiwa aspirants differ over sugar factory

George Magoha Otieno

A leading Ndhiwa parliamentary aspirant Tedd Odero has differed with his opponents for the Ndhiwa parliamentary seat over the proposed multi-billion sugar factory and instead vowed to support the project.

Tedd who is a well-known critic to area MP Orwa Ojode said issues of development should not be politicized and asked his parliamentary opponents to support the project. He further challenged those opposed to the project to rise above petty politics and support it as it will create the much needed job opportunities for the constituents.

Two Ndhiwa parliamentary aspirants have in the past been opposed to the project claiming that Ojode was using the project to gain cheap political mileage. Odero however differed with them and vowed to mobilize Ndhiwa residents to support the project and termed those opposed to it as political opportunists who have nothing to offer to the people of Ndhiwa.

Odero is said to be planning massive campaigns in support of the project to the chagrin of his opponents who have been burning midnight oil in opposing the project. Odero disclosed that Luo Nyanza have lagged behind in terms of development simply because politicians oppose projects aimed at job creation and poverty alleviation. Of all the Ndhiwa parliamentary aspirants, Odero is the only serious aspirant giving the area MP Joshua Ojode sleepless nights.

One, Odero is a serious campaigner who enjoys massive support among the youth and women in the constituency and also enjoys good rapport with LDP presidential aspirant Raila Odinga. One of the aspirants known to have opposed the sugar project Jeremiah Owiti's candidature has been dismissed by political analysts who say he is a political greenhorn who has nothing to offer the people of Ndhiwa on development issues.

An independent survey carried out in Ndhiwa last month shows that Ted is the leading contender followed closely by Ojode while another political newcomer Neto Oyugi, Monica Amollo and Jeremia Owiti trails with less than 10%.