The Karen Ward myth and why Oduk is changing the tide
Ever since 2007, Karen Ward has been under the Leadership of one David Mberia on the ODM party ticket.
The incumbent who is known for his cunning political tricks has always created narratives of his own and those in Karen claim a wrong myth has been planted among Karen Voters to believe that Mberia is the all time favourite candidate and that he enjoys immense and close working relationship with ODM party leader Raila Odinga and his family.
But the situation seems to be changing- a new entrant Johnson Oduk is changing the tide.His political acumen outstanding loyalty to the party in the last three elections seems to be unlocking the magic.
Oduk is a business mogul in the media industry and has been at the forefront in matters governance within the Nairobi City County.
Having served as an advisor to key political players across the political divide,he is throwing in the hat for the Karen Ward seat.
His first mission is to bag the ODM ticket in a battle of eight aspirants including the incumbent.
His high octane campaign trail activities have seen opponents shift goal posts to adjust to the demands of the electorate.
It is not surprising that he was recently endorsed by various youth and women groups.
Eight women groups teamed up in unis eight groups drawn from the various neighborhoods in the ward have called for change in the ward leadership, noting that the incumbent David Mberia has had enough time since 2007 but has little to show for his tenure.
The groups statement was collectively read by Jemima Nyawira and Benson Ochieng.
” We need change bevause we have alot of issues that need to be addressed in this ward.This cannot be effected by someone who has had three chances but has misused them,”
The groups have lamented failure by the incumbent to adequately represent issues around financial support to businesses especially during the COVID-19 period.
They have also decried poor drainage and unequal installation of street lighting.
” Karen needs to be a special place of it’s own where businesses operate on a 24 hour base but some areas are not adequately covered in terms of lighting,” they said.
He has said that he is confident of delivering victory to the ODM party come August 9.
Karen Ward, despite the assumption and myth that it’s a rich man’s territory has its share of problems.This includes poor feeder roads,poor drainage,scarce lighting, unemployment and cases of insecurity.
” We are going to fix them once we take over because we have the requisite blueprint,” Oduk said.
On the ODM primaries,he has called on his supporters to turn up in large numbers.At the same time,he has warned party officials fond of commercializing the nomination exercise to stop it.
He has assured his supporters that he will emerge victorious in the party primaries to set up a major battle with the UDA opponent
” This is firmly under control and l have no doubt that l will trounce them all in nominations then deliver the seat in August,”
Karen Ward is largely an ODM zone in Lang’ata constituency that has once been led by the party leader Raila Odinga
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