UoN don quits lecture hall to face off with Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir

Former University of Nairobi lecturer Dr Charles Odhong’ is the latest entrant into the race for Kisumu East MP seat.

Dr Odhong’ who teaches Animal Production courses has since quit the lecture hall, claiming he is best placed to outdo three term MP Shakeel Shabbir.

In an exclusive interview with Lake Region Bulletin, Dr Odhong’ expressed confidence that he would be the best candidate to face Shakeel.

“I know 15 years is a long period and as expected the incumbent has made a lot of grass root impact and it would take very calculated strategies to beat him. That is what I am bringing on the table,” he said.

According to Dr Odhong’, education will be one of his key priorities.

Manifesto

In his manifesto seen by Lake Region Bulletin, Dr Odhong’ has outlined bursary allocation, school infrastructure and performance as the three key areas of focus in education sector.

He said he would double the constituency bursary allocation from the current Sh12 million.

He pointed out the need to have at least two secondary boarding schools in the constituency to provide good environment to study.

Currently, the constituency has only one boarding school that was inaugurated last month.

Dr Odhong’ who is trying his hand in politics for the first time said that as an academic, he was concerned about the education standards in his constituency and said he would focus on ensuring that their is quality education.

He claimed transition rate from primary to secondary school in Kisumu East remains at 65 per cent, against the government’s 100 per cent declaration.

He attributed this to lack of motivation for the students to continue with education and the fact that the only secondary schools around them are day schools.

And with the Orange Democratic Movement Party primaries around the corner, the don has intensified his outreach in a bid to convince area residents that he is the best bet to replace Shakeel.