Philip Aroko Claims His Opponents in Kasipul By-Election Would Soon Run Away: "I Can Confirm"
- Businessman Philip Aroko stated that he is the best candidate to run for the Kasipul constituency parliamentary seat under the ODM party
- Aroko further promised to make his opponents run out of town if he bags the ODM party ticket in the primaries
- In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, the politician dismissed any justifiable differences with Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga
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Businessman and philanthropist Philip Aroko has expressed confidence that he will bag the Orange Democratic Movement ( ODM ) ticket once the party conducts nominations to determine its candidate for the vacant Kasipul Parliamentary seat.
Source: Facebook
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Aroko reaffirmed his capacity and capability to feel the shoes of slain MP Ong'ondo Were, who was brutally shot dead on April 30.
With the ODM ticket seen as an almost guarantee to parliament, Aroko has declared his readiness to fly the party's flag, branding himself as the 'people's candidate'.
He has called on the party to conduct primaries to determine the flag bearer, noting that once he bags the ticket, the ultimate election will see him run almost unopposed.
"I believe the party will do the right thing. The party is democratic, so I expect them to do the right thing for the people and I think we are going to have nominations," he stated.
Did Aroko promise to make opponents run?
Asked what he thinks of his opponents within ODM and those from other parties., Aroko stated that they will run away when the bell rings after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC sets a date for the by-election.
"What I can confirm is that if the people give me the ticket and we have a date with destiny, those people will run, there will be no by-election because it will be an unopposed affair," he affirmed his confidence.
He is expected to battle for the party ticket with Boyd Were, son of the late Kasipul MP.
Businessman Robert Riaga is also seen as a major threat in the battle for the lucrative Orange ticket.
While prominent politicians in Homabay county have previously pronounced themselves on who they think should fly the ODM ticket, Aroko is confident that the last decision will be made by the people.
Who does Gladys Wanga want to take over Kasipul seat?
Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga and Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma had requested the party to directly nominate Boyd in honour of his late father.
Calls for direct nomination have triggered a lot of resistance and diverse opinions among the Kasipul electorate.
According to Aroko, the party has an opportunity to adapt to the changing trend in politics where the people are given priority in decision-making.
"It has to be the people because we are in a world where the voter is more enlightened now, and it is difficult to impose decisions on them," Aroko added.
What is Aroko's relationship with Wanga?
On his relationship with Wanga, Aroko explained that his opponents have created a narrative that Aroko is wrongly perceived by the governor.
"I think maybe there was a narrative that was given about me, which may not be true. She may not be comfortable with me, but to some extent, she will be comfortable with me," he added.
He believes that it will be in the interest of the governor to let Kasipul residents pick their next MP without coercion.
What is Philip Aroko's source of income?
Aroko also revealed that his main source of funds is his agribusiness activities like layer poultry farming, where he produces 10,000 eggs per day across his farms in Homabay and other parts of the country.
Apart from egg farming, he is also in horticulture, a venture he is encouraging young people to explore.
"I have various farms across the country, I do horticulture where I supply pawpaw, mangoes, and I also do the vegetable thing," he added.
Aroko's vision for Kasipul people, as he explained, is hinged on his slogan for 'good life' where he targets to change the mindset of the locals on key issues like education, culture change for progress, access to opportunities and harnessing of talent in the creative world.
"I have seen the politics that have been there for years back, and my target is to conduct business centred on the interests of the local people. I have come to change the narrative," Aroko explained.
Aroko challenged leaders in the country to listen to the concerns being raised by the young people and especially Gen Zs.
"This is a lifetime reality that we have to confront by accepting that times have changed and our young people are setting the pace of what we have to prioritise for them," he said.
Aroko's message to Raila Odinga?
He hailed ODM leader Raila Odinga for steering the party to its 20-year birthday, noting that the time is ripe to inject more energy into it for longevity.
"This is a party that has been there for 20 years, so it needs some more energy. The party leader has done his best to ensure ODM is a lasting democracy," he added.
The Kasipul by-election is among many other mini polls the IEBC is set to conduct in the course of the year.
Other mini polls will see residents of Baringo county, Banisa, Magarini, Ugunja, Malava and Mbeere North constituencies, along with 15 wards across the country, elect their new representatives.
Was Philip Aroko cleared in Ong'ondo Were murder case?
This comes days after Aroko was acquitted on Thursday, June 26, after the court found insufficient evidence linking him to Were's murder.
Source: Facebook
All the restrictions imposed on him, including the travel and contact restrictions, had been lifted, allowing Aroko to travel and freely move in Homa Bay county.
Aroko had initially denied any involvement in Were's brutal murder.
Story by John Papanoo, TUKO.co.ke correspondent
Source: TUKO.co.ke
John Papanoo (Freelance reporter) John Papanoo is an experienced journalist with over five years’ experience in broadcast, print and digital media cumulatively having worked at One FM and Q FM. He has been writing for TUKO.co.ke from January 2019 and majorly covers politics and Nairobi County Assembly. He has a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Multimedia University where he is currently pursuing a degree in the same course.
Faith Chandianya (CA editor) Faith Chandianya is a multi-media journalist and a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke. In 2023, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Media Science from Moi University. She has over four years experience in digital journalism. Email: Faith.Chandianya@tuko.co.ke
