A teacher in Homa Bay county on Wednesday, August 18, announced that he will be running for presidential in 2022.
Felix Jarongo Odeny 44 says he is ready to face off with ODM leader Raila Odinga the presidency in the 2022 General Election as an independent candidate.
Mr Odeny says that he understands just how difficult this is going to be – but added that he is ready to square it out with his moneyed competitor.
Odenyo who left his teaching job at the St Augustine University in Tanzania is keen to follow in the footsteps of another teacher – Mwalimu Abduba Dida who has been a regular in the presidency race.
Although Dida lost in the elections he ran against Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta and other high voltage politicians, he left a lasting impression in the minds of Kenyan voters.
Mr Odeny will be keen to not only replicate Dida’s acts, but surprise him and bring the coveted seat back home in Homa Bay.
Many people – obviously – have labelled Mr Odenya a joker arguing that he stands no chance whatsoever.
“I want to know what Mr Odeny is smoking so I can also taste it. There is no way he can do what Raila has been unable to do all this while,” said a Mr Samuel Okumu.
Others, however, said that Odeny had every right to vie for whatever position he deems fit provided he qualifies as stipulated in the Constitution.
Odeny’s first task will be to raise at least 2,000 signatures from at least 24 counties.
Other candidates who have expressed their desire to run for president include a retired General Service Unit (GSU) officer Zablon Karanja Mbugua and Gospel musician Reuben Kigame.