Controversy over ODM candidate nominations for the Kasipul by-election
A political dispute in the Kasipul constituency of Kenya, centered on the upcoming by-election to replace the late MP, Ongondo Were. A group of local professionals is demanding a transparent and fair nomination process from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, while a branch of ODM officials is pushing back, asserting the party's constitutional right to use any of its established nomination systems, including a direct ticket or a delegate system. The officials also condemn what they see as an attempt to threaten the party leader and impose a candidate on the community, a move that could significantly impact the constituency.
A group of officials from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in the Kasipul constituency is pushing back against recent demands from regional professionals. These professionals are calling for a completely transparent and fair nomination process ahead of the upcoming by-election in Kasipul, which is being held to replace the late Ongondo Were.
The branch officials have affirmed the ODM’s unwavering commitment to its constitution, asserting that the party has the right to use any nomination system outlined in its documents to select a candidate. They have made it clear that no external influence will dictate the process.
“We are requesting that let us be left as Kasipulians to decide on our leader. Because that is when peace will prevail here,” said Tom Okoko, a member of the Coalition of Professionals, Kasipul.
“This time around, we condemn in the strongest words possible any form of imposing any candidate on Kasipul residents,” added Prof. Silcance Akeba, also a member of the Coalition of Professionals, Kasipul.
Lollie Rapemo, the ODM Chairman for Central Kasipul Ward, addressed the allegations that a party ticket had already been issued: “The allegations that the party ticket is already issued to a preferred candidate is neither here nor there. The party organs have the constitutional mandate to pick a candidate by one, nomination, two, issuance of a direct ticket, three, consensus, then four, through a delegate system. It is in this spirit that we, as peace-loving ODM party officials, differ with the purported professionals.”
Evance Ndege, the ODM Chairman for Kasipul Constituency, issued a strong final statement. “They are free. They can do anything they like. But they cannot threaten our party leader. And they cannot put any ultimatum to our party leader. ODM has got structures and we have to follow the structure clearly.”
The by-election in the Kasipul constituency is being held to fill the seat left vacant by the late MP, Ongondo Were.