Raila: ODM plans to handpick candidates, abolish nominations

Raila: ODM plans to handpick candidates, abolish nominations

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga says the party plans to abolish the universal suffrage method of conducting party nominations and instead handpick candidates ahead of elections.

Mr. Odinga, who was speaking in Rongo during campaigns for the ODM candidate in the Migori Senatorial by-election said the decision is aimed at avoiding chaos previously witnessed during party primaries.

“This issue of carrying out nominations which seem like general elections… We want to do away with it because if it continues that way then people will only keep fighting, said Odinga.

The Orange party leader said they will have a team which will be vetting aspirants eyeing for ODM ticket adding that loyalty to the party will be the first requirement.

“We will identify who is suitable for what position and plant them there,” he said.

Odinga noted that most big political parties across the world have succeeded with the handpicking of candidates, hence, ODM would be considering adopting this method.

The former prime minister said the decision by ODM to hand the Migori Senatorial by-election ticket to Dr. Ochilo Ayako was a wise decision, urging party supporters to vote for Dr. Oyako in the upcoming polls.

At the same time, the opposition leader weighed into the referendum debate, saying that nobody will stop a referendum from taking place in case Kenyans will support it.

Mr. Odinga said they are waiting for the report from the select team working on the Building Bridges Initiative that will be getting the public views on having a referendum.

His sentiments were echoed by ODM Chairperson John Mbadi who supported the referendum bid.

Odinga was accompanied by Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and legislators including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Walter Owino (Awendo), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Mark Nyamitta (Uriri), Peter Masara (Suna West), Migori Woman Rep Pamela Odhiambo and Nyatike MP Tom Odege among others.

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raila odinga odm Handpick candidates

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