Ugenya MP David Ochieng on Sunday expressed his aspirations to run for president in 2032.
He highlighted the possibility of President William Ruto prevailing in the 2027 election and serving his second term, which would open up the field for new candidates. Ochieng encouraged the Nyanza region to broaden their perspectives beyond Azimio leader Raila Odinga who has faced defeat in all five of his previous presidential bids. The Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party leader contended that Nyanza has exclusively backed Raila for nearly forty years, and it is now the moment for a younger individual to emerge.
“We (Nyanza people and Raila) have always claimed that we are being rigged out of the presidency. Right now a bird is already whispering to me that he (Raila) will vie again,” he said.
Ochieng highlighted that the Mount Kenya and Rift Valley regions have already begun supporting younger politicians for significant national roles, including the presidency. He mentioned several examples, such as MPs Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Governor Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a), Senator Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Wilson Koech (Belgut), and Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport, Cabinet Secretary).
In contrast, Ochieng has expressed his dissatisfaction with Siaya County voters, claiming that they were manipulated into choosing older politicians. He accused Raila and the entire Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance of underestimating their supporters. He said it is disheartening to observe the opposition organizing protests that lead to fatalities, only for their leaders to later gather in a meeting room and engage in negotiations that exclusively benefit themselves.
In the near future, Ochieng intends to explore Nyanza and other areas of the nation to spread the message of his political faction and establish himself professionally as a credible contender for the president’s post. This is slated to take place in February 2024 and beyond.
