The Governor for Mandera County Ali Roba led other leaders from the Northern Kenya region in declaring their support for the ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.

The leaders announced their decision to back Raila’s presidency on Wednesday.

They also announced that they will join the Azimio la Umoja movement through the UDM party, which is expected to unveil Roba as its party leader.

Marsabit County Governor Mohamud Ali will deputise Roba in the new party.

Ali has been holding discussions with the region’s MPs and elders, ushering them into Azimio in a bid to consolidate the region under Azimio.

The leaders who declared their support for Raila include the Speaker of Mandera County Assembly Mohamed Khalif and Mandera East MP Omar Hassan, Mandera West MP Adan Haji, Banissa MP Hassan Kullow and Lafey MP Abdi Mude.

The Mandera County speaker Khalif is seeking to succeed Governor Roba in the August general elections.

He will be up against CAS Hassan Noor and EAC Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed both of who resigned to run for the seat.