Wrangles over ODM County Election Board puts primaries in jeopardy

Nyando Parliamentary Aspirant Jared Okelo (right) consults with Governor Jack Ranguma during a recent public event. PHOTO: COURTESY

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma and Senator Anyang' Nyong'o are locked in a war of words over claims that the ODM elections board is partisan.

Ranguma claimed that the officials are likely to favour Nyong'o, who is seeking to unseat him. However, the senator and his allies denied the claims and accused the governor's camp of trying to tarnish the party's name. 

The governor claimed that the officials have links with the senator and his allies, including Nyando MP Fred Outa, who is hoping to succeed Nyong'o in the Senate. However, Nyong'o denied the allegations saying his rival has resorted to spreading rumours after sensing defeat ahead of the party primaries. 

Speaking in Kajulu, Nyong'o and Outa told off their opponents, maintaining that the referees are competent. "It will be the electorate that will decide their fate and not the elections board," said Outa.

Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga said she sees nothing wrong with the elections board and accused some aspirants of tarnishing the name of ODM and its leader, Raila Odinga. Former TNA secretary-general Onyango Oloo also defended the board.