ODM will not be a sanctuary for corrupt individuals says advisor

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Taita-Taveta County have warned they will not allow individuals with corruption cases to vie under the party in the region.

Mr. Oginga Randiki, an ODM grassroots advisor, stated that the party advocated for transparency and would not harbor corrupt individuals.

Speaking during a leaders’ meeting in Voi on Monday, Mr. Randiki said the party was committed to enhancing good leadership and setting standards for a corrupt-free nation.

“The party will not be a sanctuary for corrupt individuals with graft cases. Those hoping to use the party as a shield to cover their illegalities should know they will not find peace,” he said.

Senator Johnes Mwaluma, ODM County Chairperson, stated that the party would start an aggressive campaign to popularize the candidature of Raila Odinga under the Azimio banner. He disclosed that the leaders will hold joint campaigns for maximum publicity. He also assured all aspirants of fair and free nomination exercise.

“We are committed to holding fair nominations for all our candidates who will vie under ODM,” he said.

He downplayed the emerging rift from a series of recent defections that have seen former leaders move to other parties. Amongst the leaders who have moved to Wiper Party include former Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu.

Three Members of County Assembly have also decamped to Wiper in what some observers term as an attempt to avoid the brutal process of party nomination.

“The party is still intact. Those who are here are the actual members,” he said as he downplayed the defections.

There are also jitters of another faction of ODM that has different officials who are terming themselves as bonafide members. The faction is aligning itself under the Azimio banner but has been dismissed as self-seekers.

Mr. Hope Anisa, the National Secretary ODM Women League, said the party was set to revamp its activities and recruit more members. She said the intention was to get as many people as possible to vote for their presidential candidate.

“We are moving as one to get the county to vote for our candidate under the Azimio banner. This is our singular goal,” she said.

She further proposed that ODM would have internal laws to regulate the performance of elected officials to ensure they delivered on their mandate.

She noted that ODM Members of County Assembly (MCAs) in the county have not delivered as expected on their oversight role.

She blamed this on the weak regulatory party framework which she said needed to be tightened to offer oversight on the performance of elected leaders in their different capacities.

“We need to have internal policies to police what elected leaders under ODM are doing. This will push them into delivering to the citizens,” she said.

The meeting was attended by dozens of aspirants eyeing various posts including MCAs, MPs and senators.