A section of Kwale residents threatened to ditch ODM party if their candidate of choice, Hamadi Boga, is not given a direct ticket for the governor race.
Boga’s supporters have insisted their candidate is the most popular.
They have given the party leadership a two-day ultimatum to issue the certificate to Boga, who is competing against two other politicians in Agnes Zani and Chai Lung'anzi.
County Speaker Sammy Ruwa bowed down to pressure and went to United Democratic Movement party, according to Kwale ODM organising secretary James Nyakiti.
On Monday, Boga's supporters warned Raila Odinga that the consequences would be severe if he is not given the ticket.
Hundreds of them had converged at the Forest Whispers hotel in Diani to express their views to the senior county ODM officials who had graced the occasion.
Led by Patience Kitsapha the supporters claimed that they have no faith in the nomination process and have settle on Boga to fly the party flag.
"Politics is a dirty game and we are aware of the things that happen during party primaries. We are not ready to take that risk," she said.
The followers said it is either Boga or the party will lose the support from Kwale residents.
Kitsapha said with Boga the party is assured of victory and so is Raila's win in the presidential race.
She said the long history of ODM making wrong choices on the preferred candidates is to blame for the loss of the party's popularity in the region.
The Kinango resident said the party should listen to its members or expect another big shocker.
"Let me warn you, if Boga doesn't get the ticket, it will end in tears .We will ditch the party and move out with our votes," she said.
Kitsapha claimed that opponents' interest is not to serve Kwale people but to be projects of some politicians who want to control them from far for their own benefit.
Douglas Kaula said the future of ODM in Kwale is secure in Boga's hands.
He said no candidate is active compared to the former Agriculture principal secretary.
He said they will accept no one apart from him.
Kaula said they will support Raila one hundred per cent if the ticket is handed over to Boga.
He said there is no bargaining against their resolution and emphasised the party to take it as it is.
Mwavumbo resident and former governor aspirant Nurrein Mwatsahu said he dropped his bid and supports Boga because of his great agenda.
Boga promised locals that he will end poverty, unemployment and grow the economy using modern agricultural activities.
He is also to scale up the county bursary kitty and address the perennial water shortage.
According to Mwatsahu other competitors are visionless and don't deserve the ticket.
On Friday Boga called on the party to give him the ticket adding that he is the most popular candidate.
Peter Obeto said they will demonstrate if their candidate is denied a direct ticket.
He said Boga has been loyal to the party, unlike his counterpart Lung'anzi who decamped from UDA.
Obeto said if their demands are not met they won't vote for ODM.
"I have never voted against my party but this time if our cries are not heard, I will," he said.
The supporters want the ticket today.
Nyakiti calmed down the irate supporters and assured them the issue will be addressed in their favour.
He said they will submit the complaints to Raila and tell him what Kwale people want.
The ODM Kwale official said that the party decided to give Boga the ticket because of the demand.
He said the push and pull has led to the loss of many ODM members who decamped and as a party, they are not ready to lose more foot soldiers.
He ruled out any possibilities of the party having nominations in the region.
Previously, the ODM National Elections Board said they will issue direct tickets to the most popular aspirant across the country.
However, in the regions where there is stiff competition, the candidates will go through a popular vote nomination process.
County ODM treasurer Hellen Masha said Raila has no option but to give Boga the ticket.
She said majority have spoken and their wish must be granted.
On his part, Boga assured Raila that his presidential bid will remain strong with him having the ODM ticket.
(Edited by Francis Wadegu)
