Race to replace Simba Arati as Dagoretti North Mp hots up as Elias Otieno ‘Amadi’ joins the race.

Following new revelations that current Dagoretti North Mp Hon Simba Arati could be contesting for governorship in Kisii county, several  politicians have indicated their willingness to replace him.

Dagoretti North being the heartbeat of ODM’s city politics only rivalled by Raila’s bedroom of Kibra, it goes without saying that Chungwa house is keenly following the events on the ground.

During the 2017 ODM party primaries, Simba Arati trounced his then main challenger Elphas Obulialia aka Baba Dollar. Once Simba clinched the ODM ticket, he already had one leg in the August house.

Simba Arati and by extension Dagoretti North has remained ODM’s stronghold delivering 4 out of the 5 MCA seats available.

Exit Simba Arati enter Elias Amadi Otieno.

The former Nairobi county minority leader Hon Elias Otieno Amadi is the longest serving MCA in Dagoretti North having entered city hall in 2007.

With the imminent exit of Simba Arati himself a former nominated councillor, Amadi’s candidature should not be taken for granted.

“Elias is an a shrewed mobilizer and a grassroot guy. He connects well with the common mwananchi having started his political career under the mentorship of Hon Fred Gumo. It is therefore very interesting to see how things will fall into place. Furthermore, Amadi has had a very cordial relationship with all the MCA’s in Dagoretti North and should he give a stab at the ODM ticket, he will most definately win it.” An ODM party official in  Dagoretti North who did not wish to be named said.

For the three terms Amadi has been in office, his track record speaks volumes. His ability to upgrade roads, light up Kileleshwa and distribute bursaries without biasness has endeared him to voters in the ward. Infact many people believe that were it not for the fact that he is set to contest as MP, he was going to retain the seat as early as 8am.

“The exit of Simba Arati if not well managed will dent ODM in Dagoretti North. We want Simba’s replacement to be a man or a woman who is courageous and does not look at Dagoretti people with ethnic lenses. Amadi is a tried and tested leader, we can trust him to take the mantle from Simba but we must let the party carry out a free and fair nomination” Julius Soita of Bunge La Mwananchi said.

Other than the Kileleshwa Ward MCA, other names being floated as possible replacement for Simba are, Elphas Obulialia aka Baba dollar, Jeremiah Migosi, Norah Bosibori and CAS Hon Elachi Beatrice.