ODM holds repeat polls in western

The Orange Democratic Movement held repeat sub-branch elections in most of the troubled areas in parts of western Kenya.

Trade assistant minister Simon Ogari was on Saturday elected the chairman of Bomachoge sub-branch after initial polls on Friday were marred with violence.

Mr Ogari extended an olive branch to his competitor Joash Maangi, asking him to unite with the newly elected leaders and popularise the party ahead of next year’s elections.

Meanwhile, Mr Gilbert Odhiambo was elected chairman of Kanyawegi ODM sub-branch after it was agreed his camp shares equal number seats with his rival Alloys Onyango.

Mr Onyango’s supporters had protested at the huge win by Mr Odhiambo, saying the exercise was rigged in his favour.

Mr Joseph Otiende, an ODM official mediated in the standoff and appealed to the warring factions to agree to a merger for the sake of party unity.

Mr Odhiambo was elected the chairman while a member of his opponent’s team became his deputy.

“We have crafted a winning formula of 10 seats for each camp. This is for the good of the contestants, the party and the people of Kanyawego sub-location,” said Mr Otiende.

In Emuhaya, Mombasa businessman Khalid Tiang’a trounced local MP Wilbur Ottichilo to grab the sub-branch chairman seat. Mr Tiang’a garnered 275 votes against Dr Ottichilo’s 106.

The exercise was put off in Kakamega County to allow a repeat in Butere, Matungu and Lugari constituencies following complaints the elections were not fair.

Mr Geoffrey Nasiali, a coordinator of the elections in Kakamega County said results from the three constituencies were nullified after rival camps came up with parallel lists of elected officials.

The polls have been planned for today at Bukhungu Stadium from 11am.

In Butere, differences emerged between supporters of Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya and those of former Butere MP Amukoa Anangwe on who had won the sub branch top seat.

In Matungu, supporters of a rival candidate challenged results indicating MP David Were had been elected the sub- branch chairman.

Elections postponed

ODM grassroots elections in Nyamira County did not take place due to a by-election in Kitutu Masaba Constituency on Monday.

The party scheduled the elections for December 2 to 5 in West Mugirango, Kitutu Masaba and North Mugirango constituencies.

Elsewhere, Mr Gideon Moreka was elected South Mugirango sub-branch chairman.