ODM top officials to decide on nomination
What you need to know:
- Other than raising Sh25.3 million required to conduct nominations in eight constituencies in the area, it would also be difficult to manage and put in place plans for the 800 polling centres in the county before December 27.
- The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set February 12 as the date for the mini-poll to replace Senator Otieno Kajwang’, who died on November 18.
- Mr Caroli Omondi, Mr Philip Okundi, Mr Silas Jakakimba, Mr Fred Rabongo, Dr Kenneth Kambona, Mr George Mboya and Mr Moses Kajwang’ are battling for the ODM ticket. Mr Hillary Alila is an independent candidate for the seat.
ODM’s top brass are set to meet on Monday to review the process of picking its flag-bearer in the Homa Bay Senate race, after it ruled out selection by popular vote.
Chairman John Mbadi said the party had no money to conduct primaries through a popular vote as demanded by some party members.
Other than raising Sh25.3 million required to conduct nominations in eight constituencies in the area, it would also be difficult to manage and put in place plans for the 800 polling centres in the county before December 27.
“We will have to mobilise Sh25.3 million to conduct the Homa Bay Senatorial elections by universal suffrage. We do not have this kind of money right now,” he said, adding, those demanding the popular vote have not considered its logistical nightmare.
NOT ALLOWED
ODM could not also draw money from the political parties’ fund as it is not allowed, he said.
“All we can rely on is Sh2 million raised by MPs through monthly contributions and the money raised from the seven aspirants, part of which was used on the aborted nominations early this week,” Mr Mbadi said.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set February 12 as the date for the mini-poll to replace Senator Otieno Kajwang’, who died on November 18.
A press statement issued by the IEBC Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager Tabitha Mutemi said the political party primaries will be conducted by December 27.
Nomination papers will be presented to the IEBC on January 15 and 16, 2015.
Campaigns will start on January 17 and end by February 10 — some 48 hours to the date of the by-election.
Mr Caroli Omondi, Mr Philip Okundi, Mr Silas Jakakimba, Mr Fred Rabongo, Dr Kenneth Kambona, Mr George Mboya and Mr Moses Kajwang’ are battling for the ODM ticket. Mr Hillary Alila is an independent candidate for the seat.
