ODM Kibra nominations were not bungled, Gem MP says

A lawmaker allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has refuted claims that the party’s nomination exercise for the Kibra by-election was interfered with.

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Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo maintains that ODM conducted a nomination exercise while other parties allegedly handpicked their candidates.

”ODM did a perfect and peaceful nomination,” he said on Monday further accusing opponents of propaganda.

According to him, accusations that ODM nomination exercise was bungled is a ploy to deceive the party’s supporters.

He further alleged that Amani National Congress (ANC) candidate Eliud Owalo has been sponsored by DP William Ruto to curtail the Kibra by-election.

The lawmaker insinuated that their rivals are planning to divide ODM voters but insisted that this plan will not work.

The MP was speaking at a function where Constituency Development Fund (CDF) cheques were being distributed in Wagai.

His sentiments come days after the ODM nominations were held with voters claiming that some of their names were missing from the register.

Some of the 24 centers reported lack of adequate human resources to conduct the exercise while others noted delays during the opening.

Names of 10 candidates had been fielded for the nominations: Stephen Okello Oguwa, Christone Odhiambo Owino, Peter Ochieng’ Orero, Tony Ogola Sira Sine, Reuben William Ayako Ojijo, Obaricks Eric Ochieng’ Obayi, Brian Shem Owino, Benson Musungu, John Milla Otieno and Bernard Otieno Okoth.

Okoth, also known as Imran, was announced as the party’s flag bearer after he emerged winner with 4,382 votes against Orero’s 1,218 and John Otieno’s 906.

He will now battle it out with 23 candidates including MacDonald Mariga (Jubilee) who was cleared to vie; Khamisi Butichi (Ford Kenya); Malaseh Hamida (United Green Movement); Editar Ochieng (Ukweli Party); Fridah Kerubo Kingara (independent); Titus Katiwa (Republican Liberty Party); Elijah Abasa (Narc Kenya) among others.