- The Homa Bay County Disability Forum, argued thta ODM failed to comply with the agreement they made prior to this year’s general election.
- Omoro expressed worry that the nominees may fail to serve the interests of PWDs in the county.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Homa Bay ODM leadership has been criticised for ignoring the agreement it made with persons with disabilities in the nomination of MCAs for special seats.
PWDs in Homa Bay said the party agreed to consult them before coming up with a list of members to be nominated to the county assembly.
The Homa Bay County Disability Forum, argued thta ODM failed to comply with the agreement they made prior to this year’s general election.
Last week, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission gazetted the names of 14 people as nominees.
The list was produced after ODM presented it to IEBC for gazettement.
Those listed to represent persons with disabilities are former Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO Lillian K’Ochola and former chairman of Homa Bay county public service Daniel Ogada.
However, the persons with disabilities have been infuriated with the names saying there was prejudice in the exercise and expressed their dissatisfaction.
The organisation coordinator David Ochola and secretary general Jacob Omoro said K’Ochola and Ogada are not their members and cannot represent PWD interests.
“The nominees are not registered members of PWDs in our list. ODM failed to consult as we agreed and we don’t know where it got the names of people to represent us,” Ochola said.
“ODM has shown us disrespect because it failed to comply with the agreement we made. Homa Bay PWDs don’t want leaders to be imposed on them,” he said.
Omoro expressed worry that the nominees may fail to serve the interests of PWDs in the county.
They argued that ODM also ignored a letter they wrote last month to consider nominating their members.
“It’s not fair nominating people who are not members our organisation to serve our interests. I doubt if they understand the challenges many disabled persons in the county undergo,” Omoro said.
Other 10 nominees for gender top-up are Wilkister Andhu, Florence Ouma, Milcah Achieng, Pamela Okoth, Nancy Orina, Caroline Odundo, Evalyne Otieno, Margaret Oweje, Jessica Otieno and Yvonne Abonyo.
They are all expected to be sworn in on Wednesday.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)