The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has nominated a 47-year-old cobbler from Masiro in East Ugenya to represent the interests of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Siaya County Assembly.
Locals who believed that ODM nomination slots were always reserved for relatives of senior politicians or well-connected individuals were surprised by the nomination of Fredrick Odhiambo Oloo.
Odhiambo was among the many leaders who showed up for the orientation exercise on Monday ahead of their swearing-in on Tuesday. Odhiambo entered the gathering area for the first time in his life while wearing a blue shirt with a frayed collar, going barefoot, and shaving his head nicely.
He wore shorts that were forest green and had orange side pockets. While repairing worn-out slippers at his Bondo Kolalo workshop, he learned of his nomination. He would make $150 to $200 per day. Following his appointment, Odhiambo was ecstatic during an interview with The Star.
“I’m still in disbelief that someone who works as a cobbler and is crippled, like me, is suddenly called “Mheshimiwa. I can’t express my gratitude to the ODM party enough, he said.
His voice betrayed his fervor to speak up for PLWDs’ interests.
“I am aware of the issues facing individuals like me in society. Once sworn in, I’ll return to the communities and lead the residents in problem-solving sessions, “Odhiambo added. Odhiambo credited his nomination to his devotion to and commitment to the ODM party, as well as to governor James Orengo.
He claimed that Orengo gave him the crutches he is presently using and even pledged to nominate him.