The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has nominated a cobbler from Masiro in East Ugenya to represent the interest of PWDs at the Siaya County Assembly.
Fredrick Odhiambo Oloo’s nomination came as a surprise to Ugenya residents who believe that ODM nomination slots are always preserved for relatives of senior politicians or well-connected individuals.
Moreover, the 47-year-old is one of the many leaders who turned up for the orientation exercise on Monday September 19 ahead of their swearing-in Tuesday.
Furthermore, Odhiambo who was dressed in a blue shirt with a worn-out collar, barefooted and neatly shaved hair, made his way into the assembly grounds, for the first time in his life.
Additionally, Odhiambo received the news of his nomination while mending worn-out slippers at his Bondo Kolalo workshop.
“I am still shocked that a cobbler who is disabled like me is now being referred to as ‘Mheshimiwa’. I cannot thank the ODM party enough,” he said.
The enthusiasm to represent the interest of Persons with Disabilities was evident in his voice.
“I know the problems bedeviling people like me in society. Once sworn in, I will go back to the villages and lead them in discussing solutions to their problems,” Odhiambo added.
Likewise, the 47-year-old attributed his nomination to his loyalty and love for Siaya Governor James Orengo and the ODM party.
Similarly, the nominated MCA explained that as a cobbler, he liked politicking at his place of work and always persuaded voters to support Orengo and Raila Odinga.
Odhiambo further noted that Governor Orengo gifted him with the crutches that he is currently using and even promised to nominate him.
Fredrick Odhiambo who is also a father of three, stated that most people despised him because of his disability. He also added that he dropped out of school while in Standard 7 and cannot communicate in proper English.
“I will debate and make laws in Kiswahili.” He said.
The nominated MCA said he went to Sirisia primary School before dropping out following the death of his parents.
“Nobody was ready to take care of me as I was orphaned, with no brother or sister. It is then that a friend taught me how to mend old shoes.” Odhiambo noted.
Nevertheless, the former representative of PWDs in the assembly Andrew Omwende and now Sigomre MCA-Elect applauded the decision to honor Odhiambo with the slot.
“Nominating Odhiambo means that even those who are lowly placed in society have a place in our party,” Omwende said.
He promised to work hand in hand with Odhiambo and push for the construction of more sheltered workshops across the county.
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Similarly, others who have been nominated to the assembly to represent special interests include Dorothy Owino (Youth), Ane Wanzila Osoo (Ethnicity), and Shalom Oduor Otieno (Youth). In addition, eight more women were nominated in the ‘Gender Top Up’ category. They included Emily Agnes Awita, Wilfrida Ogundha Arunda and Anyango Rose Awino Rabinya.
Others are Deborah Abonyo Ochieng, Julie Akinyi Okelo, Cynthia Akinyi Onyango, Alice Achieng Odhiambo and former North Sakwa MCA Lorna Achieng Ochieng Adida.
