ODM top brass meet over disputed clause

Fireworks are expected at a meeting of ODM’s top leadership to discuss a contentious clause that automatically gives Prime Minister Raila Odinga the party’s presidential ticket.

Deputy party leader Musalia Mudavadi has been pushing for the removal of the contentious clause. The party’s national vice-chairperson, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, has declared that the clause will not be changed.

ODM’s executive director Janet Ong’era told the Nation on phone on Tuesday: “The meeting is on tomorrow (Wednesday). The agenda is known.”

Those expected to attend include all national officials led by Mr Odinga and Mr Mudavadi, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Bishop Wanjiru, Ramadhan Kajembe, Joe Nyaga, Joseph Nkaissery, Hassan Joho, Dalmas Otieno and the party’s parliamentary whip Jakoyo Midiwo.

Also expected is a team of lawyers that drew up the party’s election rules headed by Mr Mugambi Imanyara.

Shinyalu MP Kizito Mugali, an ally of Mr Mudavadi, threw the first salvo yesterday when he demanded that only bona fide National Executive Council members should attend Wednesday’s meeting.

The last NEC meeting held last month failed to reach a consensus on the contentious clause, which states that the party leader shall become its presidential candidate in the subsequent General Election.

Lands Minister James Orengo brought the clause to the meeting’s attention, warning that it would take an amendment of the party constitution to remove the clause and allow for presidential primaries.

The clause was the subject of candid debate on Monday with Mr Mudavadi insisting that it must be changed.

“If we are competing in a democratic process that we believe in, then let’s adopt rules that facilitate the game. We must make the process right, fair and transparent so that our supporters are ready to accept the outcome and support whoever is nominated,” he told delegates in Siaya county.