ODM threatens to take disciplinary action against Jimi Wanjigi

ODM's Central Committee yesterday threatened to take disciplinary action against members purporting to open branch offices without consultations with the national office.

The committee said it had received alarming reports over the opening of offices across the country perhaps in reference to businessman Jimi Wanjigi's move.

"We wish to remind all members that whenever there is a need to open any party office, the same must be done in consultation with the national office failure to which such offices will not be recognised," said ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna in a statement.

"Further note that such brazen violation of the party’s rule will attract disciplinary action," read the statement. 

Wanjigi began opening party offices in Mt Kenya two months ago after he declared interest in the presidential contest. 

The statement comes days after the Registrar of Political Parties (RPP) acknowledged receiving a letter from Wanjigi, seeking that the party outlines the presidential nomination process. A month ago, the businessman wrote to the party demanding certified list of party delegates who are to attend the National Delegates Convention.

He also sought to know the timelines to the delegates conference and whether there are intentions to have any activities, including televised party presidential debates.

The Central Committee urged party leaders at the grassroots and members to retreat to their respective areas to coordinate and support voter registration.

It resolved to extend free membership registration for ordinary members that was expected to expire on September 30 to December 31.

"On the upcoming mass voter registration, we would like to call upon the electoral commission to deploy sufficient resources human and material in order for the exercise to be successful," said the statement.

Out of the seven million targeted new voters, the party said more than half were in its traditional strongholds.