It's all systems go for ODM polls
ODM secretary general Anyan'g Nyon'go addresses a news conference at Orange House, Nairobi November 8, 2011 where he said plans had been finalised to hold ODM elections on November 24. He is flanked by party MPs. EMMAN NZIOKA.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will hold its grassroots elections on November 24.
Secretary general Anyang’ Nyong’o said plans have been finalised for the elections, which have been postponed a number of times for various reasons.
Addressing journalists after a parliamentary group meeting that was also attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Orange House Tuesday, Prof Nyong’o said the polls would be held at sub-location level on November 24, location ( November 26) and branch (November 27).
In Kitutu Masaba constituency, where a by-election is to be held, Prof Nyong’o said the ODM grassroots elections would start on December 2.
“We call on party members to vie for any post, play by the rules and respect the National Elections Board which as a referee should remain neutral,” Prof Nyong’o said.
Prof Nyong’o who was accompanied by co-Government chief whip Jakoyo Midiwo, assistant minister Alfred Khangati, ODM PG secretary Ababu Namwamba and its elections board chairman Philip Okundi said the meeting also endorsed Mr Timothy Bosire as its candidate for the Kitutu Masaba seat.
He said ODM MPs will turn up in large numbers to campaign for Mr Bosire and urged the party supporters to back its candidates vying for the 11 other civic seats.
The Kitutu Masaba by-election will be held on November 28.
The seat fell vacant after the court in Kisii nullified the election of Walter Nyambati over irregularities.
Prof Nyong’o and Kisumu Town East MP Shakeel Shabbir said investigations done by ODM indicated that recent disruption of presidential candidate Raphael Tuju’s meeting in Kisumu was stage managed.
“We have evidence it was stage managed. None of the people caught on camera causing mayhem are from Kondele where it happened,” Mr Shabir said.
According to ODM, the grassroots elections will culminate in national polls as it prepares for next year’s General Election.
The party polls are to align its organs with the constitution and devolve them to the grassroots so as to promote a democratic and accountable management of its affairs. It is also meant to enhance the participation of all the members of the party right from the grassroots to the national level in decision making, rebrand and rejuvenate ODM to maintain its leadership as the most populous and popular party.
ODM elections board secretary Joseph Misoi said: “Our vision is to build national leadership based on the 47 county governments as opposed to the selfish tribal coalitions which have created havoc in Kenya since independence.”
