As is the worldly norm, the taste of power and the craving for more is a sweet affair. High ranks in the government come with so many privileges.
But the pain and frustrations that come after losing your ‘top-dog’ status are unbearable. Often, politicians experience betrayal and isolation from friends and supporters.
This has been the case for Former Kisumu Central legislator, Fred Ouda. Mr Ouda conceded to ODM’s Joshua Oron after losing in the 2022 general elections.
Fred Ouda also revealed that nowadays, he is seen just as an ordinary person, unable to rally the numerous youths that he did while in power. His close allies turned allegiances for other elected leaders.
READ: Woman who left Sh. 40,000 government job for politics, now earns Sh. 500 from mjengo
At a burial in Seme, Mr Ouda expressed his pain about taking a loan while still in power to re-run for the same seat and lose. He stated that the campaigns had depleted his pockets.
“My pockets were hurting and I took loans to fund the campaigns. At some point, my friends deserted me,” he recalled.
Despite losing the seat, Fred Ouda asserted that he would not abandon or betray the party, despite the amount of persecution, frustration or disappointment that he faces.
Ouda disclosed that even though ODM let him down, he would not join former leaders to meet President Ruto at the State House.
“Your mother can punish you to an extent that you curse her and wish to run away. But before I do so, I ask myself what am I going to get from this new foster mother,” he quipped.
Mr Ouda urged his supporters to remain steadfast, adding that those who abandoned him are like sons who’ve left home for the streets to provide for themselves.
“I plead with my supporters not to fight among themselves because things will soon because things will soon be fine,” he noted.
Fred Ouda added that he would vie for the parliamentary seat in the coming general elections.
“I have heard that Dr Oron is going for the governorship of Kisumu, I support this because if he runs, it means I will have an upper hand,” Ouda declared.
Ouda’s political career started as an MCA in the Siaya County Assembly during the 2013-2017 term. He later vied for the Member of Parliament Kisumu Central in 2017, and clinched the title in the General elections.
