FINANCE assistant minister Oburu Odinga maintains his quest for the Siaya county senate seat is non-negotiable. Speaking to the Star, he said his supporters asked him to go for the seat. Oburu said he attended five meetings with area leaders and was the first leader to announce his intention therefore he will not step down in favour of anybody.

There have been calls fom some leaders to have him step down for Lands minister James Orengo. Orengo annonced in June 6 he will not defend his Ugenya seat and would instead vie for senator. "He and any other contender are free to face me at the ballot since it is everybody's democratic right to contest a political seat," said the Bondo MP.

Oburu said he is ready for dialogue as long as it's aim is not to block him from the ballot. Siaya is made up of six constituencies: Alego Usonga, Gem, Bondo, Ugenya, Rarieda and the newly created Ugunja. "I do not have history of failing and I have a single mind of winning the election." Oburu revealed he had no intention of facing his colleagues and had consulted Orengo before announcing his decision. He says Orengo had not shown interest in the position at that time. Oburu says he has been consistent in building the Orange party since its inception in 2005 to date maintaining that he deserves the position.