- On Saturday, ODM officials claimed some UDA officials go into churches, ask for people's ID and phone numbers and register them with the party.
- “They induce our people by giving them money. They also promise they are organising a harambee for the church," MCA Joan Ogada said.
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ODM top brass in Kabondo Kasipul constituency have warned party members to be wary of United Democratic Alliance representatives recruiting in the area.
The ODM officials from Kojwach ward on Saturday raised concerns over agents persuading ODM members to defect to UDA.
They claim some UDA officials go into churches, ask for people's ID and phone numbers and register them with the party.
The officials in Kojwach were led by MCA Joan Ogada, women league chair Rose Onyango and youth leader Paul Odada.
Ogada argued that the suspects take advantage of the vulnerability of their people to enlist them with the party.
“They induce our people by giving them money. They also promise they are organising a harambee for the church."
"We are telling them to stop it since its an unscrupulous method of obtaining party membership,” the MCA said.
Speaking during the ward ODM grassroot party meeting at Ringa market, Ogada said the group also work as community health volunteers to get the particulars.
They are hoodwinking the youth with employment at Kenya Power under the Last Mile Connectivity program.
“We appeal to constituents not to exchange their right to political parties association for money. Let them shun the people who ask them phone and ID numbers,” Odada said.
Onyango condemned the act and warned the group of legal action should they continue with the trend.
She asked Homa Bay ODM leadership to protect party members from being duped and registered as members of UDA without their consent.
“We have raised concerns with relevant authorities hence arrest will be made against the perpetrators,” Onyango said.
Raila Odinga’s ODM is the dominant party in Kabondo Kasipul while UDA is linked to his political rival Deputy President William Ruto.
Two weeks ago, Registrar of Political Parties officer Anne Nderitu warned politicians against employing dubious methods to obtain members.
Nderitu asked Kenyans who were enlisted in the parties without their knowledge to withdraw their membership.
“Appropriate action will be taken against political parties found registering people without their consent,” Nderitu said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)