ODM poll chaos shatter plans to hand over leadership baton

Police arrest a man suspected of stealing from delegates. [PHOTOS: BONIFACE OKENDO/ STANDARD]

By JAMES MBAKA and FELIX OLICK

Nairobi, Kenya: Outgoing ODM top brass had challenged aspiring candidates of the hard task ahead before the much-publicised polls were disrupted.

ODM Chairman Henry Kosgey and party secretary general Anyang’ Nyong’o said the new leadership had the difficult task of delivering the presidency to ODM.

They, however, said there was hope in the incoming leadership to accomplish the task ahead - acquiring political power in 2017-even as they emphasized that the future could be better in the hands of ODM.

Speaking at the Kasarani gymnasium in Nairobi during the party’s 3rd National Delegates Convention (NDC) yesterday, the two officials said they were proud of their past and hopeful of the future

The duo had opted not to defend their seats in the hotly contested polls that are threatening to tear apart one of Kenya’s vibrant political parties.

Manipulating

During the event, Prof Nyong’o launched a scathing attack on the Jubilee administration terming it a cunning regime born by manipulating the popular will of the people.

“Today is a memorable day because we remember our two victories cowardly snatched in our hands,” said the Kisumu Senator

Nyong’o maintained that the new ODM leadership must not disappoint the people of Kenya saying the party carries their hopes and aspirations.

He said that their grand match to State House continue in 2017 and urged all party members to rally behind Raila.

“That determination must continue as we prepare for the 2017 election because our hour has come,” he stated. “Let us unite behind Raila,”

Raila lauded the role the two have played in steering the party to great heights and urged the duo to continue being members of ODM.

“I thank Nyong’o for the good work he has done for the party despite the challenges he has faced for the last two years, he and Kosgey have done their part and led us well,” Raila said.

 Kosgey and Nyong’o recollected the events surrounding the formation of the party from a constitutional change movement in 2005 into a strong, vibrant and democratic party the country has ever had.

“ODM grew into a political party for all Kenyans to fight for equal opportunity and fairness, I am happy to hand over power because we have made tremendous achievements so far,” Kosgey said.

He regretted that the party has not been able to form government even after paying a huge price in fighting for a better Kenya since inception but rallied the new leadership to ensure this becomes reality.

Protect devolution

Kosgey who was not clad in party colours like his outgoing colleagues, including Nyong’o, reiterated that ODM won the 2007 General Election but party leader Raila Odinga was never sworn into office saying the same happed in the 2013 General Election.

“I am proud that we won the 2007 elections but regret that Raila was never declared president while in last year’s elections we became the single largest political party by winning majority seats in Parliament but hope is still there,” Kosgey said

He cited insecurity, unemployment, poor economy and the fight to protect devolution as some of the changes that lay ahead for the new party leadership

“Devolution holds the key to prosperity, the new leadership must ensure that it strengthens the party to step up oversight on the executive to better the lives of our people,” Kosgey reminded the new leadership.