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Kenya: ODM Nominations Will Be Free and Fair, Oparanya

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4 years ago

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya has said that the party’s nominations will be free and fair.

Mr Oparanya said people feared joining ODM in the past because of bungled nomination processes but assured that this time round, things will be done differently.

The Kakamega governor noted that everyone including defectors are welcome back to the party.

He also urged party aspirants not to defect to other parties, assuring them that they will all have equal chances in the nomination process.

“We do not want aspirants to spend a lot of their money during nominations. That is why ODM has come up with four methods of choosing its candidates,” said Mr Oparanya.

The delegates system, consensus, members voting and direct nomination of popular candidates are the four methods that ODM will use to settle on its candidates.

Party leader Raila Odinga recently disclosed that the party’s National Election Board had conducted a research to establish why ODM’s nominations are sometimes chaotic and the report tabled had suggested that in certain areas, the party might resort to secret ballot, interviews, negotiations among aspirants as well as direct nominations.

“You cannot join the party today and start using money then you want it to favour you at the expense of individuals who have been loyal for years. NEB recently received a report on why nominations are chaotic and they will implement it in the coming primaries,” Mr Odinga said.

The former prime minister had also cited financial constraints as to why nominations through secret ballot cannot be done across the country.

Mr Oparanya spoke in Kisii County on Sunday during a fundraiser for Entanda PAG Church.

He was hosted by Kisii Governor James Ongwae, Senator Prof Sam Ongeri, Woman Representative Janet Ong’era, Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, MPs Richard Onyonka – Kitutu Chache South and Jimmy Angweny – Kitutu Chache North.

Vihiga Governor Wilber Otichilo and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos accompanied Mr Oparanya.

Kenya National Congress Party leader and former South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya who is seeking Kisii governorship seat was also at the function.

Mr Ongwae said the decision on who ODM party is to field for gubernatorial seat in Kisii has not been decided yet.