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Homa Bay ODM leaders want officials to build good rapport with residents for the party to win more seats in 2022 elections.
The party argues that good relations will make majority of them register as party members and vote for their candidates in the next general poll.
Chairperson Gladys Wanga and secretary Ong’ondo Were said they are welcoming politicians who decamped from other outfits after nominations in 2017 polls, for the party to regain its strength.
The officials spoke on Monday when they opened a new party office for Kasipul constituency in Oyugis town.
Present were more than 10 MCAs led by Richard Ogindo (Kwabwai), Matunga Mireri (West Kamagak) and Sophie Koweje (nominated).
Wanga argued that the rapport should be cascaded down by officials at the polling stations to enable the party become strong on the ground.
“The strength of a political party depends on the support it draws from the grassroots. ODM has structures which cannot make it moribund if officials create a rapport with the people,” she said.
Wanda said it is at the polling station level that they can also organise campaigns and consolidate votes for their party leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential election.
The strategy will enable them win seats for MCAs, MPs, woman representative, senator and governor in Homa Bay.
“There shouldn’t be any loopholes in this because a government is won by the party with majority of representatives. Our presidential candidate should get all votes in Homa Bay,” Wanga said.
The chair said the best way to achieve the objective is by working together as party officials at the constituency, ward and polling station levels.
She argued that the ward and polling station officials know everybody in their villages hence their joint efforts with other party officials will enhance success.
Homa Bay is one of the ODM party stronghold counties.
Raila usually gets more than 95 per cent of votes during elections.
“We have agreed that all polling station and ward officials should start wooing voters into the party. No seat can defeat us from winning in Homa Bay if all officials comply with the agreement,” Wanga said.
Secretary Were said the party will begin filling positions which fell vacant after the last general election.
The vacancies were orchestrated by those who ditched the party in 2017 and those who died.
“We want to undertake more serious programmes of ensuring the party shines in the next general election,” Were said.
He said good rapport with the people will ensure they shun voter apathy during elections.
“We’re also asking eligible residents to turn out in large numbers and register as voters. Let us take advantage of the remaining week and register,” he added.
Kwabwai MCA Richard Ogindo took the opportunity to ask Homa Bay residents to vote for a person who is development conscious as governor.
“Homa Bay ODM members should help us get such candidate ahead of 2022 polls,” Ogindo said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
