Raila unveil strategies to keep ODM united

ODM party leader Raila Odinga has revealed that the party has devised ways to prevent fallout and chaos among members.

Raila said they are prioritizing consensus as a method of picking candidates for the party during nominations.

Speaking while presiding over a National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) Tournament 2021 at Homa Bay High School, the opposition leader announced three procedures, which the party will apply in fielding candidates ahead of the forthcoming General election.

He pointed out that there are no preferred candidates in the party and aspirants would be allowed to first have consensus before employing other methods.

 “We do not have preferred candidates and so we will allow all aspirants to first have consensus and only use other methods if they disagree, so as to promote peace within the party,” he said.

Raila noted that the party members would indulge in voting for their preferred candidates should consensus fail, adding that the voting would be done only by registered ODM members.

“Voting will be repeated as many times as possible so that every contestant is left satisfied and we will give the last resort to direct nomination,” Raila assured.

If the aspirants still feel dissatisfied with the above nomination procedure, the party will opt for direct nomination, he said, adding that it will be based on opinion polls conducted by ODM.

In this case, the party would issue a nomination certificate without votes from the people.

Raila said the law allows a political party to issue a direct nomination ticket to a candidate of a given seat.

“At times we may be pressed by the deadline as stipulated by IEBC, but it is a fact that the party must have candidates for elective positions.

In this case we will conduct an opinion poll so that the highest rated candidate is accorded the ticket,” added the former premier.

He further called on the party aspirants to maintain peace as they seek votes from residents.

Raila was accompanied by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang', MPs Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Pamela Odhiambo (Migori), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa) and Ong'ondo Were (Kasipul).