Kisumu Senator Fred Outa is out of politics, albeit for some time.
Outa dropped his gubernatorial bid, shortly after announcing that he would not defend his Senatorial seat.
And with less than 100 days to the August 9, election, Outa has begun his sabbatical, in earnest.
I want to give Ranguma back his position which I snatched from him and gave to Nyong’o. I want him to complete his second term, and after that I will get back to politics
Fred Outa
In an exclusive interview with Lake Region Bulletin, Outa has disclosed a full plate of agenda as he takes leave from politics.
His key agenda is to reconstruct his businesses which lost direction during his time in politics.
His political journey
Outa got into elective politics in 2007 when he was first elected Nyando Member of Parliament.
He successfully defended the seat in 2013.
In 2017, he climbed higher, and ran for Kisumu Senatorial seat which he won.
Before he ventured into politic, Outa was a businessman and farmer.
“I am taking sabbatical leave, not to idle around. My plate is full,” said Outa.
Next step
Outa is currently developing an abattoir in Naivasha, which he says is his youngest kid in the business venture.
With this, he is looking into export market.
Before he joined politics, Outa had lived in the United States, where he created networks and links.
These networks are expected to boost his export business.
My school business has not been doing well lately because of my diverted attention. It is time to bring it back
Fred Outa
“I have also not stopped the real estate business I have been doing over the years. This period will allow me refocus the business and make it better,” he said.
Outa is also engaged in businesses within the education sector.
“My school business has not been doing well lately because of my diverted attention. It is time to bring it back,” he added.
He said: “Remember I am also a farmer, and I will be getting back to the farm fully.”
Sending Nyong’o home
But before he can actualize all these, he has one big task.
“Politically, My mission is to send Nyong’o home,” he said amid a light laughter.
According to Outa, he bowed out of the gubernatorial race to give space for former Governor Jack Ranguma.
Outa had in 2017 teamed up with the then Senator Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o to oust Ranguma.
The scheme was successful with Outa taking up the Senatorial role while Nyong’o becoming the Governor.
But the two parted ways in their first year in office, after Outa accused Nyong’o of betrayal.
And now, Outa says he will peacefully settle in his sabbatical leave after ousting Nyong’o and returning Ranguma to the seat.
Ranguma
Ranguma is seeking to reclaim the seat on Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party ticket, while Nyong’o has been awarded ODM ticket.
Outa, Ranguma, former Chief Administrative Secretary Ken Obura and Former County Assemby Speaker Onyango Oloo have been in one camp against Nyong’o.
The three had picked Obura to face Nyong’o in the ODM primaries, but pledged to unveil pban B should Nyong’o get the ticket.
And after the party awarded Nyong’o a direct ticket, the camp is likely to rally behind Ranguma.
And Outa is confident that through Ranguma, Nyong’o will go home.
“I want to give Ranguma back his position which I snatched from him and gave to Nyong’o. I want him to complete his second term, and after that I will get back to politics,” he said.
Community service
Outa however noted that he will not abandon the community service he has been providing, especially to the less fortunate in the area.
According to Outa, he is supporting over 400 students from primary to university levels.
“Through my foundation, I have been paying the fees, and I cannot stop because I am taking a break from politics,” he said.
All that I have been doing was meant to uplift the lives of our people. If it is all about making money, then I have enough to feed me even without coming back to politics. But we get into those positions so as to better the lives of our people
Fred Outa
He noted that he will do more, including supporting with economic empowerment programs that he had been running while in parliament.
“All that I have been doing was meant to uplift the lives of our people. If it is all about making money, then I have enough to feed me even without coming back to politics. But we get into those positions so as to better the lives of our people,” he said.