Foreign Affairs minister Abubaker Jeje Odongo has kicked off his campaign to represent Orungo County in Parliament, pledging to restore security, promote unity, and boost livelihoods across the constituency.
Speaking at the launch, General Odongo said his decision to stand stems from a deep commitment to address longstanding security and social challenges in Orungo.
“I am standing mainly to ensure that we bring back security for persons and property in Orungo, which has been to some extent compromised,” he said.
“I intend to bring peace in this place, bring unity, and encourage the growth of the earnings of our people.”
The minister condemned acts of intimidation and violence against political opponents and government officials accused of supporting rival camps.
“It is not correct to threaten candidates or deny anyone their right to contest,” Odongo emphasized.
“Flagbearers are elected by the people, not appointed. You have no right to threaten someone because of their political belief.”
Gen Odongo has opted to run for re-election as an independent rather than on the ruling NRM party ticket. He earlier explained that he was unable to participate in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries because he was out of the country on official duties at the time the primaries were held.
He also said that his independent bid is not about breaking away from the NRM out of ill will; rather, he says it’s about continuing development work in his constituency that he feels must be completed.
Odongo also warned against targeting Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) and other civil servants, stressing their roles are apolitical.
“You cannot threaten or disappoint government officers simply because you think they don’t support you. They are performing national duties, not partisan ones,” he said.
Beyond security, Odongo outlined a development-focused manifesto for Orungo County. Key priorities include:
- Provision of 15 iron sheets per household to replace grass-thatched houses.
- Motorcycles and car-washing machines for youth as part of income-generating initiatives.
- Construction of a modern market and a children’s park in the town council.
- Upgrading Orungo Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV, including a new ward and future theatre.
The veteran soldier and diplomat noted that he has already made contributions to health and education facilities in the constituency and plans to expand these initiatives after elections.
“By 2030–2031, I want every family in Orungo to be able to earn at least five million shillings annually,” Odongo said. “We should not go to church ashamed when the offertory basket comes around.”
Gen. Odongo’s campaign emphasizes peace, unity, and tangible development as he seeks to consolidate support and restore confidence among constituents after years of political tension in the area.
