ODM leader Raila Odinga’s bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta got a boost after Northern Kenya bigwigs declared support for his candidature.
Led by Mandera Governor Ali Roba, the leaders announced their resolution to back the ODM leader over his main rival Deputy President William Ruto in the State House race.
The leaders included Speaker of the County Assembly Mohamed Khalif, MPs Adan Haji (Mandera West), Omar Hassan (Mandera East), Abdi Mude (Lafey), and Hassan Kullow Maalim (Banissa).
They will be joining the Azimio la Umoja Movement through the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
Roba is expected to be unveiled as the UDM’s Party leader, and his Marsabit counterpart Mohamud Ali is taking over as his deputy in the new outfit.
The declaration comes a day after former East African Community (EAC) Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed, and CAS Hassan Noor resigned to succeed Roba who is serving his second term.
Adan, and Noor will be facing Speaker Khalif, and Senator Mohamud Mohamed who are also eyeing the county’s top seat.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali has been holding talks with MPs and elders to bring them to the Azimio ship in a deliberate move to have the region locked under Raila.