Wrangles erupt over ODM grassroots election delegates list in Ndhiwa Constituency

From left, nominated MCA Florence Ouma (in a cap), Kanyamwa Kosewe MCA Nicholas Owaka (in orange T-shirt) and ODM party officials in Ndhiwa Constituency were addressing journalists Homa Bay Town. (James Omoro, Standard).

Controversy has erupted over ODM's planned grassroots elections in Ndhiwa Constituency after two factions clashed over the list of delegates.

The Raila Odinga-led party is set to conduct the second phase of its officials' elections in the constituency on April 7 and 9.

The first phase of the grassroots elections was held in November last year, leading to the election of polling station officials across Homa Bay County. These officials are now the delegates who will elect ward officials on April 7.

However, the delegates’ list has sparked intense wrangles between two rival groups within ODM in Ndhiwa.

A faction allied to Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino has accused the party of planning to use an invalid list of delegates. Led by Ndhiwa Constituency ODM Chairman Jerry Odeny, the group has dismissed the list as fake.

“The list of delegates contains names of many people who were not elected at the polling stations. Therefore, we reject it,” Odeny said during a press conference attended by Owino.

On the other hand, a rival faction led by Ndhiwa ODM Women Leader Hellen Akinyi, along with MCAs Nicholas Owaka (Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward), Florence Ouma (Nominated), Boaz Kiiri (North Kabuoch), and former Kanyadoto MCA Walter Muok, dismissed the allegations, accusing Owino’s team of fearing defeat.

Addressing journalists, Owaka insisted that the contested delegates were duly elected during the polls held on November 27 last year.

“The delegates they are objecting to were elected at polling stations. It seems they have specific individuals they want as delegates to favour them, but that will not happen,” Owaka said.

He further cautioned against internal divisions within the party.

“Let us avoid fighting our own party because this is the vehicle through which we achieve our political agenda,” he added.

Ouma questioned why Owino’s team had waited until now to raise concerns, despite ODM having provided a window for grievances last year.

“The party gave members an opportunity to file complaints about the elections held in November, but they failed to do so,” she said.

She accused the faction of raising concerns only because they sensed an impending defeat.

“Why are they only complaining about the list of delegates now that elections are near? They know they are going to lose,” Ouma said.

Muok urged the complainants to focus on the election instead of lamenting.

“They should participate in the election. But if they are dissatisfied, they can shelve their ambitions,” Muok said.

Akinyi warned that ODM’s reputation should not be tainted by a few individuals with personal interests.

“Let people come out and contest for seats. Those with ulterior motives should stop tarnishing the party’s image,” she said.