ODM election winners uneasy over delay of certificates

Orange Democratic Movement supporters from Migori County now want the party election board to release certificates to those who won the party’s grassroots elections in Migori even before the Homabay elections begin.

Migori county ODM secretary general, Mr Joseph Olala, said the delegates who were elected for different party position in the grassroots election are now worried following the delay in the issuance of the certificates, adding that other political leaders may manipulate the outcome.

Olala is now calling out to the national elections board to announce the names of all delegates and award certificates so that the team can start serving the party immediately.

ODM Chairman John Mbadi, however, said that the certificates would be availed before the end of this month.

Mbadi, who was speaking at Rakwaro Catholic Church in Migori County, asked the elected party delegates to be patient, saying that the party will only give certificates to the delegates elected by the people.
He further assured party supporters that the pending ODM party grassroots elections and nominations will be done in a free and fair way so that party supporters can elect their own leaders.
Mbadi jeered at political leaders who allegedly said that they would be given party certificates even without the support of the people, saying that everyone must be endorsed by the people.

The Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM) had earlier on made it optional for its members to pay Ksh20,000 for those who want to contest for the ward positions in the coming party grassroots elections and become party life members.

Party election board member, Peter Odoyo, said the fee was made optional after it emerged that members were not comfortable paying the amount.

Odoyo noted that the fee was reviewed during a party meeting in Nairobi with party leader Raila Odinga in attendance.