ODM aspirants in Kisii county want the party to issue direct nomination tickets to top aspirants in popularity polls.
In a petition to ODM leader Raila Odinga, more than 20 aspirants said the party had told them it would use opinion polls as the simple and cost effective method.
“This will save ODM aspirants the pain of facing two elections in one year; nominations and the general election,” they said.
The petition was signed by 24 aspirants among them Kisii Women Rep Janet Ongera, Bonchari MP Robert Oimeke, Anthony Kibagenge (Kitutu Chache North), Simon Ogari and Risper Kemunto.
The petitioners added that where there is no clear winner based on the scientific method, a postponement of Thursday’s exercise for at least 10 days was necessary to enable them prepare for nominations.
“This will give the party time to mourn one of the aspirant, the late Thomas Okari, who was killed in his Bombaba home in a case suspected to be related to the upcoming nominations,” they said.
“The party heavily invested on the scientific method and has already gotten results. The method has since seen the National Election Board issue some of the candidates direct tickets across the country.”
The petitioners asked Raila to meet the ODM team from Kisii after conclusion of the primaries to unify them.
“We would like to assure you of unequivocal support as our choice for president and we will campaign for you and the ODM aspirants,” they said.
The aspirants said they were duly cleared by the NEB.
“We have held meetings with the NEB where issues affecting the upcoming party primaries were discussed,” the aspirants said.
They pointed out that the meeting brought together aspirants for the position of governor, senator, Woman Rep, MP and MCA.
“The chair of the board highlighted among other issues concerns by members in regards to the party nomination exercise,” the petition read.
“In the discussions the chair highlighted the various processes and guidelines on the conduct of nominations.”
They said key among the highlights was rule number 8 of ODM primaries.
“The NEB shall conduct primaries where there are more than one applicant for the same position through consensus, direct nomination, use of the delegate system and universal suffrage.”
ODM has postponed primaries scheduled for last Friday in Nakuru, Mombasa and Kilifi.
NEB chairperson Catherine Mumma said they were talking to the aspirants in the coastal counties to support one candidate.
“We will communicate the outcome of the consultations and consensus-building and advice on the next steps. We urge our members to exercise patience,” Mumma said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
