ODM orders repeat of city elections

• Officials blame headquarters for controversies that rocked grassroots party elections

The Orange Democratic Movement has nullified elections in Nairobi, following a stream of complaints by some of the contestants.

Board secretary Joseph Misoi said the decision to nullify the elections, which saw Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa elected Makadara sub-branch chairman was arrived at after complaints were received that the exercise was not fair.

In Garissa, the elections pitted members from Dujis and Fafi against those from Ijara and Lagdera with each accusing the other of hijacking the process.

Mr Mohamed Khalif Nunte and Mr Ahmed Abdi Affey are the two returning officers expected to present different names at the Orange House on Tuesday.

Mr Abdiweli Mohamed, the elections coordinator, blamed party headquarters for the controversies.

In Baringo county, some party members claimed that they were short-changed in favour of certain candidates. Some members from Baringo North constituency said that they had won at the ward and sub-branch levels but their names were deliberately removed from the final list presented at the county level.

Mr Joshua Chepsergon said he had won as the branch organising secretary, but his name was removed.

The presiding officer, Mr Timothy Yator, however, dismissed the complaints.

The Baringo ODM elections held at Marigat Secondary School had been delayed after party members failed to agree on the mode of voting.

Returning officer Joshua Kiprop had a rough time calming the angry members.

Members eventually agreed that the 10 positions be distributed equally among all five constituencies. This saw nominated MP and East African Community Minister Musa Sirma elected county chairman.

MPs Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central), William Cheptumo (Baringo North), Moses Lessonnet (Eldama-Ravine) who are allied to Eldoret North MP William Ruto skipped the polls.

Baringo county council chairperson Elizabeth Chesang and Kabarnet mayor Julius Kiprop also skipped the elections.

In Kisii, Public Works Minister Chris Obure was elected unopposed as the county chairman in an election that saw assistant minister for Transport Simon Ogari lose to city lawyer Joash Maangi.

Delegates were drawn from Bomachoge, Bobasi, South Mugirango, Bonchari, Kitutu Chache, Kitutu Masaba and Nyaribari Masaba.

The returning officer, Bishop William Abuka, said that the elections were free and fair.

In Homa Bay County, Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ was elected chairman.

In all the six sub branches — Kasipul Kabondo, Ndhiwa, Mbita, Rangwe, Karachuonyo, and Gwassi — majority of the elected officials are Mr Kajwang’s allies.