Kenya: Showdown Looms in ODM as Raila Odinga Backs Consensus

Speaking after hosting a delegation of political leaders, business community and religious leaders from Marsabit County at Chungwa House, Mr Odinga said the party will also issue direct tickets. This, he noted, will be the last option should there be a prolonged dispute.

He was accompanied by ODM national chairman John Mbadi, national treasurer Timothy Bosire, director of political affairs Opiyo Wandayi and executive director Oduor Ong’wen.

The nomination options mean that those seeking to participate in the ODM primaries must be bona fide party members and not just ID card holders as has been the case. The primaries have over the years been characterised by chaos, especially in ODM strongholds, which officials say have led to the outfit being viewed in negative light.

Jubilee secretary-general Raphael Tuju said the technical committee working on the coalition model with ODM will have to study all the options and come up with the best scenario for nominating coalition candidates.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all. How we approach Nairobi may be different from Siaya. When Jubilee, ODM and all different parties field a candidate in Kamukunji, you will divide votes then lose it,” he said.”There may be merits in just having one candidate from a member of the coalition.”

He said there are places where the coalition should be able to work 100 per cent together but there are others that even if they compete it does not affect the presidential votes.

“The discussions are going on including consideration of zoning of different parts of the country,” he added.