Governors Joho, Oparanya officially withdraw presidential bids to support Raila

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and his Kakamega counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya have formerly dropped their presidential aspirations in support of ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during ODM's National Governance Conference at the Bomas of Kenya on Friday where Odinga was endorsed as the ODM presidential candidate, the two governors said the former prime minister was the most qualified to carry the ODM flag in the August polls.

“I formerly announce before the NGC that I have withdrawn my candidature here and now endorse you (Raila Odinga) as my presidential candidate,” Joho said.

Oparanya on his part underscored Odinga's track record over the years saying: “Niliona baba ako na experience nyingi kuliko mimi and am formally withdrawing my bid today in favour of Raila Odinga."

Governor Joho lauded Odinga for his experience and maturity in politics terming him as a mentor who had set the stage for him politically.

“You have been my political mentor since 2004 and there is absolutely no way that I will contest with you,” Joho said.

The two county leaders had in the past declared their interests in the country’s top job but have since been rallying their support behind the Raila-led Azimio la Umoja Movement.