ODM begins S Mugirango nominations

The Orange Democratic Movement has began the process to nominate its candidate for the by-election in South Mugirango constituency.

ODM’s National Elections Board asked aspirants for the vacant parliamentary seat to collect nomination forms and the party’s rules from its headquarters in Nairobi.

The board also cautioned ODM party leaders and others from interfering in the process.

“The National Elections Board cautions all ODM party leaders and members to desist from premature campaigns until after nominations are over and the board hands over the official party nominee to the Interim Independent Electoral Commission,” said board chairman Phillip Okundi at the party’s offices.

The upshot of Wednesday’s announcement by the party is that the former MP and the party’s treasurer Mr Omingo Magara will not get a direct ticket as anticipated by some of its members.

There have been calls by a section of ODM leaders led by Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Cherangani MP Joshua Kutuny that Mr Magara be given direct nomination given his status in the party.

“We want a free, transparent, independent and fair process and that’s why we have asked our leaders not to lobby on behalf of their friends,” said Joseph Misoi, the board’s secretary.

The board said aspirants from special interest groups such as the youth, women and people with disabilities will be required to pay Sh75,000 nomination fees. Others will pay Sh100,000 and the deadline for submission of the forms is April 22- next Thursday.

They will then be required to fulfil the conditions set out by the board for nomination, among which will be the requirement that one be a life member of the party.

The by-election will be held on June 10 and those seeking to clinch the ODM ticket include Mr Magara, Mr Ibrahim Ochoi and Mr Henry Ogeto.

According to the IIEC, the ongoing voter registration will close on April 20, 15 days before that in other constituencies, to allow voters 30 days to inspect the register as set out in the law.

It will also allow IIEC enough time to conduct the by-election effectively.  

The South Mugirango seat fell vacant after the Kisii High Court nullified the election of former Trade assistant minister James Omingo Magara citing irregularities. The petition was filed by Manson Oyongo Nyamweya, the Ford People candidate during the 2007 election.

On March 26, IIEC announced that political parties wishing to field candidates in the South Mugirango by-election must finalise their nominations by May 9 and hand in their nomination papers to the returning officer on May 17 or 18.

Early campaigns have already kicked off in South Mugirango with potential candidates at the constituency to woo voters. Among those who have declared an interest in the seat besides Mr Magara are: Mr Nyamweya, Mr Rashid Minyong’a, Mr Abaga Sagero, Mr Ochoi, and Mr Kepher Marube.