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Personal interests and squabbles among ODM leaders in Homa Bay are threatening the unity and popularity of the party.
The differences could cost the party the governor, parliamentary and other seats on August 9.
Since ODM held primaries on April 14, party leaders in Homa Bay have not been speaking with one voice.
It began when former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero disputed the direct ticket for governor handed to Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga.
Kidero, who wanted the ticket, complained he was not invited to the consensus meeting where Wanga was approved.
The former governor has since gone independent, saying the 'consensus' was neither inclusive nor genuine.
Those attending the meeting included Suba South MP John Mbadi, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, former county secretary Isaiah Ogwe, Kuppet secretary general Akelo Misori and former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga.
Magwanga was picked as Wanga's running mate.
The meeting was also attended by Governor Cyprian Awiti and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The rows intensified after the party primaries. A number of politicians who lost said the exercise was married with irregularities.
Nominations were held for all 40 wards, two parliamentary seats (Karachuonyo and Ndhiwa) and for woman representative.
Most 'losers' accused the Homa Bay party leadership of interfering with the voting.
Mbadi, the national chairman, said some people with unfulfilled interests tampered with the ODM primaries in the county.
He said some individuals colluded with officials from the National Elections Board who were staffing the voting centres to steal votes for their favoured candidates.
The Suba South MP said that in his Gwassi South ward, the preferred candidate ran away with the electronic tablet used for the election and restricted the voting to one polling centre.
"The problems we have in Homa Bay have been caused by some individuals. Their gluttonous acts make them want to have everything," Mbadi said.
The ODM national chairman distanced himself from the woes facing the party in Homa Bay, saying they are individuals' creations.
He told disgruntled people to carry their own cross.
"I will not be a party to problems caused by individuals. You shouldn't cry for anyone if you sleep on a thorny bed you made yourself," Mbadi said.
Two weeks ago, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo openly told her constituents to vote for a governor they want.
She said they will not be coerced to campaign and vote for the party candidates if residents do not want them.
Odhiambo spoke after being cleared by the IEBC to defend her seat on the ODM ticket.
"Most Suba North people know the person they will vote for as governor. Don't force us with your candidature," she said.
Apart from Wanga and Kidero, the IEBC cleared Mark Rabudi of UDA to run for governor.
Homa Bay political observer Patrick Agwagra said Mbadi and Odhiambo's criticism of Wanga could cost ODM the governor's seat.
Agwagra said that apart from the two MPs, some of their colleagues are also grumbling.
The MPs do not accompany Wanga as she campaigns.
Only Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, Ongondo Were (Kasipul) and his Karachuonyo counterpart Adipo Okuome are in Wanga's good books.
"Kidero's current popularity is the result of squabbles and interests of the leaders. I fear it may cost them the governor's seat," Agwagra said.
Homa Bay has more than 520,000 registered voters. It is considered a party stronghold since residents traditionally have been voting for ODM.
All eight MPs, senators, woman representatives and governors have been elected twice on the party ticket since 2013.
Agwagra said this may not happen on August 9.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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