ODM leaders in Kilifi have only today to propose a name of a candidate to defend the Rabai seat that fell vacant following the untimely death of MP William Kamoti
ODM leader Raila Odinga asked Kilifi leaders to come up with a strong candidate.
Raila said the ODM party has until Tuesday (today) to give a certificate to another candidate to be cleared before the deadlines set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) lapse.
“Yesterday (Sunday), Kamoti had just been cleared to run for the Rabai MP seat on ODM before he met his untimely death. I now want the leaders here to agree on who will be given the ODM ticket,” he said.
Kamoti, 60, died on Sunday night in a road crash in Mnarani near Kilifi town, along the Mombasa-Malindi Highway.
Also Read: Rabai MP William Kamoti dies in road accident
The 9:30 pm accident which claimed the legislator’s life is said to have occurred after his car side-collided with an oncoming lorry.
Their vehicle, a Toyota Prado swerved off the road before it rolled.
The MP died on the spot as his driver was rushed to Kilifi County Hospital, where he is admitted.
On Monday afternoon, Raila led the ODM brigade and Kilifi leadership to eulogize Kamoti during a burial ceremony at Kaliang’ombe Primary School.
The late MP was later buried at his home in accordance with the Islamic religion.
While condoling with the family at Kaliang’ombe, Raila said the Kilifi County leaders should agree on who will now fly the ODM flag in Rabai constituency.
Rabai-Kisurutini Member of County Assembly Cantona Mwadena had during his speech proposed two of Kamoti’s brothers to be considered for the positions.
He proposed either Gideon Hare Mwamkale or Mohamed Mwamkale.
“We saw it happening in Kibra when we lost Ken Okoth, his brother was considered for the seat. In Kwale, when we lost Senator Juma Boy, his brother Issa was fronted. We humbly ask that the brothers of the late Kamoti are allowed to continue with his legacy,” said Mwadena.
Kamoti was a lawyer by profession.
Kamoti is survived by a widow and four children.
Other leaders who had accompanied Raila to the event include Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi.
It was the first time in several months that Kingi, Raila, and Joho were sharing a platform after the Kilifi governor ditched Azimio la Umoja Coalition for Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Azimio la Umoja Coalition supports Raila’s presidential bid, whereas Kenya Kwanza supports Deputy President William Ruto’s bid for State House.
“Kingi is my brother, even though he is on the other side. Today, I will not engage in politics, I’m here to condole with the family,” said Joho.
Joho said he will come back to Kilifi for politics.
On his part, Kingi said the entire Kilifi County is mourning the demise of a great leader.
“Rabai and Kilifi is today mourning a great leader. Kamoti was a person who embraced the politics of tolerance and he was a visionary leader,” said Kingi.
Other leaders who spoke during the event include MPs; Teddy Mwabire (Ganze), Paul Katana (Kaloleni), Ken Chonga (Kilifi South), Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe) and Mvita’s Abdulswamad Nassir.
MPs Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Badi Twalib (Jomvu), and Senators Mohammed Faki (Mombasa and Issa Boy of Kwale also spoke.
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