MEMORANDUM TO HON. RAILA

MEMORANDUM FROM PEOPLE OF MBITA CONSTITUENCY TO HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA, EGH, MP ON ODM NOMINATION IN MBITA.
 
We the people of Mbita Constituency have received reports from credible sources to the effect that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination for Mbita parliamentary is already determined by the Pentagon team.
 
Our own member of parliament Hon. Gerald Otieno Kajwang is on record to have said twice that he is the sole Pentagon cleared candidate to run on ODM ticket in the constituency. The first pronouncement was during a public rally at Luanda market on Monday 8th October 2007 and on Friday 12th October 2007 while presiding over a function at Mbita High School.
 
These public utterances by Hon. Otieno Kajwang coupled with the observable happenings on the ground lend some level of credence to the unsubstantiated reports. Currently, we have sadly learnt that one of the candidates has been prevailed upon, to our disbelief, by yourself in person to step out of the race. It is on this premise Hon. Raila that we the people of Mbita demand to know your position on this matter.
 
If the report is true, then it would be very unfortunate situation as it would tantamount to perpetuation of a paternalistic political oligarchy that blatantly and advertently understeps the frontiers of conventional justice that grants the people the right to chose their leaders without both external and internal interference. The right to chose leaders is a God given right, infact, a basic human right. What is the promise of your leadership to the Mbita people?
 
Hon. Raila, we wish to assure you that the people of Mbita constituency are a hundredfold vehemently in support of your quest for the Presidency of this country. This is a resolve Mbita people have made unequivocal commitment to. On the same breath, we believe that ODM is a democratic party that is seeking leadership on the platform of a total breakaway from what hitherto has been perceived to be the political norm that includes imposing candidates on the electorate. We therefore want to believe that the unfortunate outburst by Hon. Kajwang is a mere political rhetoric that has no basis and that neither you nor the Pentagon has perceived such a retrogressive move. We trust ODM will conduct both its civic and parliamentary nominations in a free and fair manner devoid of any muscle flexing.
 
Sir, your position on this matter shall go a long way in quieting the already vexed voters of Mbita constituency, if what we read in the papers of Friday 18th October 2007 page 17 of the Standard is anything to go by. By seeking your clarification of this matter, we are trying to mitigate against the imminent voter apathy that is likely to permeate the voters of Mbita. We believe you will clear the air on this matter so as to settle the misconceptions already created on the ground once and for all. Thank you for listening to us and GOD BLESS YOU.
 
19th October 2007