The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has confirmed that party primaries in
Kasipul Constituency, Homabay County, did not commence as planned on September
24, 2025, after violence and interference disrupted the exercise.
In a statement, Emily Awitta, Chairperson of the National Elections
Coordinating Committee (NECC), said the disruption was caused by one of the
aspirants who allegedly stormed the election materials distribution centre, accompanied by a group of goons.
“This has been occasioned by the violent invasion of the election materials’
distribution centre by one of the aspirants who is alleged to have arrived with
goons and started threatening the Returning Officer and other officials,”
Awitta stated.
The party further disclosed that the arrival of a senior politician from Homa
Bay, who is not a candidate in the primaries, created additional confusion and
contributed to unnecessary delays.
The nomination exercise had been scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., but by
mid-morning, the process had not kicked off.
ODM described the incident as “barbaric and egregious,” particularly given
that all aspirants had committed to peaceful conduct in a meeting convened in
Nairobi on September 16, 2025.
“This incident is not only barbaric but also egregious, considering the
commitment that the aspirants participating in the nomination exercise agreed
to adhere to,” Awitta emphasized.
ODM warned that stern disciplinary action would be taken against any aspirant found guilty of disrupting the process, including possible
disqualification.
“This should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bent on disrupting
the exercise... stern disciplinary action will be taken against them,” the
party warned.
The party assured members and supporters that all efforts are being made to
ensure the nominations proceed peacefully and are concluded before the close of
business at 5:00 p.m.
ODM insisted it remains committed to free, fair, and transparent primaries
across the country.
