Raila rules out direct ODM nominations

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has moved to allay fears the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is planning to give direct nomination to influential politicians in the next General Election.

Mr Odinga said Wednesday that a new elections board had been set up and was under instructions to conduct a free and fair nomination that will accommodate all ODM spirants.

"There are those who have expressed fears that the party is planning to offer certain people direct nomination.

"That I have already given James (Ongwae, former PM's campaign manager) here a direct ticket. I want to announce here today (Wednesday) that ODM will not give anybody any direct nomination,” the PM said during a farewell party in honour of Mr Ongwae, who resigned as Mr Odinga's campaign manager to contest the governor’s seat in Kisii County, at the Panafric Hotel, Nairobi.

Political parties must conduct their nominations at least three months to the General Election. This should be by end of December.

He said that a new team of commissioners appointed by the party to take charge of elections will be unveiled soon.

Mr Odinga also used the occasion to introduce his new chief campaigner Eliud Owallo, who will now run the Raila for President Secretariat.

Political bug

The PM praised Mr Ongwae for his dedication in serving the party as the head of campaigns and regretted that he was leaving to join politics.

"At first, I thought I had convinced him not to join elective politics. Because I believed being a career manager this was the best job for him. But it appears the political bug had already infected him,” Mr Odinga said.

Mr Ongwae said he was still in ODM and his desire to join elective politics had been motivated by the Kisii electorate, who want him to steer grassroots development.

"The people of Kisii have been calling on me to join them in structuring development. I have decided to heed their call,” Mr Ongwae said.

He said the job required outstanding managers and that he was ready to work towards the prosperity of the agricultural-rich county.

Mr Owallo said he will continue with the progress already initiated at the secretariat by Mr Ongwae to ensure Mr Odinga won the elections.

The new campaign manager used the event to outline his agenda and announced he will work together with the secretariat officials to deliver the elections.

“We are going to ensure that all that can be done is done. We have a professional team at the secretariat and I am sure we can achieve the best,” Mr Owallo said.

Top ODM leaders, cabinet ministers and supporters attended the dinner.