Homa Bay, Migori ODM primaries moved to Monday

Migori governorship aspirant Ochilo Ayako addressing a rally in Ranen Township on April 17, 2017. ODM will hold its nominations in Migori and Homa Bay counties on April 24, 2017. PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen did not disclose the reason for the change of dates.
  • Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti will face off with Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga and businessman Sam Wakiaga.
  • Migori Governor Okoth Obado will Thursday know his fate on his ODM membership.

The Orange Democratic Movement has moved its primaries for Homa Bay and Migori Counties that were planned for Friday to Monday next week.

ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen told Nation.co.ke that the nominations in the two counties will now be carried out on the same day with those of Siaya and Kisumu on April 24.

“We have rescheduled the dates and the nominations will now be carried out in the four counties of Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya and Kisumu on the same day on Monday next Week,” Mr Ong’wen said.

However, he did not disclose the reason for the change of dates in the region, where the party enjoys massive support and winning its ticket is as good as winning the general election.

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti will face off with Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga and businessman Sam Wakiaga.

Also in the race are Enosh Bolo and Cosmas Kanyadudi.

In Migori, two protagonists, Governor Okoth Obado and former Cabinet minister Ochillo Ayacko as well as Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga’s wife Anne and Paul Odola will be battling for the ODM ticket.

Mr Obado was elected on a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2013, after defecting from ODM following shambolic primaries.

OKOTH OBADO

Migori Governor Okoth Obado will Thursday know his fate on the controversy surrounding his validity as a member of the ODM party.

This follows a legal battle against him over his move to defect from PDP in 2016.

George Odede, an ODM member, moved to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal claiming that the governor did not formally give his former party a notice of defection before joining ODM.

The governor had also protested against a Sh2 million fine imposed on him by ODM following chaos that erupted in his county two Weeks ago where Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s guard was shot.

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga will battle to retain his seat against a challenge from Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, businessman William Oduol and former PS Carey Orege.

In Kisumu, Governor Jack Ranguma will face off with Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o, Hezron McObewa, Gordon Wayumba, Asaka Nyangara and Chrispine Ondiek.

Meanwhile, Mr Ong’wen said the repeat primaries in Busia remains Tuesday April 25.

This is despite indications by Funyula MP Paul Otuoma that he will not participate in the repeat primaries.

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’ had been declared winner controversially after garnering 92,358 votes against Dr Otuoma’s 63,752 votes in the nominations held last week.