ODM decries short notice for party nominations ahead of Homa Bay by-election

ODM National Election Board Chairperson Judith Pareno and commissioner Peter Odoyo addressthe Press on ODM nominations for the Homa Bay senatorial by-election, Wedneday. [PHOTO: GEORGE NJUNGE/STANDARD]

NAIROBI: ODM has protested against a decision by the electoral agency to set aside less than a fortnight for party nominations ahead of the Homa Bay senatorial by-election.

The party's National Election Board (NEB) said the county is so vast that preparation for a nomination exercise requires time due to the large population and the number of candidates in the race.

Addressing the Press Wednesday at party headquarters, NEB Chairperson Judith Pareno said they had informed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of the time constraint they were being subjected to but their pleas had fallen on deaf ears.

"IEBC is not fair in its notice to have us conduct nominations and produce a candidate for the by-election within less than two weeks. Homa Bay is a vast county with eight constituencies and conducting such an exercise needs time," explained Ms Pareno.

APPLICATION FEES

She said due to the short notice they had been forced to limit aspirants and asked them to submit the full application fee.

Ms Pareno said the nomination exercise to pick the party's flag bearer will be done next week on Monday at a venue yet to be communicated.

The process, they said, will be conducted by delegates from Homa Bay.

"The NEB has made this decision owing to the short notice given by IEBC for political parties to nominate their candidates, which compromises our ability to carry out nominations by universal suffrage," said Pareno.

She said ODM is currently verifying the party delegates list of Homa Bay ahead of the Monday exercise.

At the same time, George Mboya has joined the race to succeed the late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang'.

Fred Rabongo, Moses Kajwang', Silas Jakikamba and Philip Okundi have also expressed interest in the seat.