- Elisha asked his supporters not to participate in the process, which he termed as an illegality whose outcome is already determined.
- Should the party proceed with the election tomorrow, Elisha noted that they have a litigation process that is not exhausted.
Image: faith matete
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has said he will not participate in fresh nominations organised by the ODM National Elections board.
Elisha asked his supporters not to participate in the process, which he termed as an illegality whose outcome is already determined.
He said the nomination exercise was done in April 13, and the winners were announced, however the results were challenged by Jalango Midiwo, one of the aspirants.
“ODM appeals tribunal dismissed the allegations and confirmed my victory," he said.
“Midiwo, if aggrieved with the appeals tribunal has a right to file an appeal at the political parties tribunal which he has not. Instead we were treated to propaganda that Midiwo was called by National Elections Board and was told the elections will be done tomorrow.”
The MP said on Thursday, he received a message from the NEB chairperson Catherine Mumma that there will be repeat primaries.
"Have already sent Mumma a message that I will not be part of the process. Why is Mumma misleading the party, it seems there are people hell bend to give Midiwo the ticket," he said.
In the message sent via WhatsApp in one of the groups at 11.56am, Muma says, “Good morning Hon Elisha and Hon Midiwo. This is to inform you that the party has made the decision to repeat the Gem constituency elections."
"The NEB would like to request you to prepare for those elections which we will conduct tomorrow, Friday April 22, 2022. We will share the information on elections through this forum.”
Elisha said NEB’s mandate ended immediately after elections were held in Gem and they have no more jurisdiction in matters after the tribunal pronounced itself on the matter.
“I am calling upon my supporters not to participate in an illegal process, and I am certain the people know who their MP will be and not Midiwo," Odhiambo said.
He told Mumma that Raila Odinga respects the rule of law and has struggled and fought for the democratic space.
“I want her to come clean because it appears that they want to do an elections whose outcome has been predetermined, the fact that Midiwo was aware that there is going to be elections tomorrow and I didn't know tells you a lot," he said.
Should the party proceed with the election tomorrow, Elisha noted that they have a litigation process that is not exhausted.
“All options are set, I have them ready, this is a battle I know,” he said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)