Kisumu Governor aspirant Shedrack Okindo has picked a street vendor as his running mate.
Okindo who is running on an independent ticket settled on Hesborn Limbe Ouma who vends tents at Patels Flats.
According to Okindo, his choice of Mr Ouma was informed by the strong and clear vision of the 35-year-old.
My leadership style is to give opportunity to everyone irrespective of their economic status
Okindo
“My leadership style is to give opportunity to everyone irrespective of their economic status,” said Okindo.
Okindo-Ouma ticket
In an interview with Lake Region Bulletin, Mr Ouma expressed confidence that his ticket with Okindo will carry the day on August 9.
“I began working with Mr Okindo when he expressed his interest in the Governor seat on Usawa Party,” said Ouma.
But Okindo dropped out of Usawa following what he termed as the party’s lack of interest in the common man.
I began working with Mr Okindo when he expressed his interest in the Governor seat on Usawa Party
Ouma
He went ahead to resign from the party, and sought to run on an independent ticket.
Mr Ouma has nine years of comprehensive military, police training and a successful career with the National Intelligence Service.
Private Sector
But Ouma joined the private sector, working as head of Security in a number of Non-GovernmentalOrganizations.
“After leaving NIS, I joined international Intersos (an NGO in Somalia where I was the head of security in the country,” he said.
He added: “Later I joined Salama Fikira Kenya where I was Security Manager for American Towers Cooperation in Westlands, where Iwas involved in quick evacuation of our staff and expatriates during the Dusit D2 terrorist attack where I was able to save all persons under my care.”
After this, Ouma joined Interlock Security as Head of Operations.
But Ouma lost his job when Covid-19 hit the economy, and he has since been vending tents in Kisumu.
He is married to one wife, and they have a baby boy.
Ouma said his experience in the security sector, and close connection with the common man will work for his team during mobilization for votes.
“When I listened to Okindo’s vision, focusing on empowering the poor, for example by giving each house hold a dairy cow, I felt this is what I stand for,” he said.
