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Orangee Democratic Movement (ODM) yesterday denied claims that the party had secretly issued nomination certificates to some of the aspirants for various elective positions ahead of the August General Election.

Party officials said ODM was concerned that some aspirants were spreading claims, either through their followers or on social media, to the effect that they had been given direct nomination by the party.
National Elections Board chair Catherine Mumma dismissed the claims as untrue, saying such reckless talk was responsible for voter apathy in the Nyanza region.

“I am the one who issues party nomination certificates and here I am to affirm that none has been given any certificate,” declared Mumma.

“If there is anyone here who has been given an ODM certificate, stand up and shame me and my team now. We can’t allow some leaders or aspirants to malign our office for no good reason or that of our party leader who believes in the sovereign power of the people,” she added.

Mumma said the party was founded on democratic values and that they cannot allow anybody to try to disparage their names and or that of the Orange party.

“Preach the values of peace, democracy and love that our party leader believes in through his Azimio la Umoja movement coalition,” Mumma said.

She was flanked by ODM National Executive Director Oduor Ongwen, Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro, Kisumu ODM branch members Ayiecho Olweny and Kennedy Ajwang’ and the chair of Luo MPs professionals caucus Dr James Nyikal.

The leaders urged the people of Nyanza to come out in large numbers to register as voters.
“It’s the people who hold the ultimate prize not any of us or ODM party officials. Ours is to just vet to ensure that those flying our flag are genuinely registered members and that the election process is held democratically,” Mumma said.

“This idea of some aspirants flocking the party or NEB offices in Nairobi seeking favours is abhorrent and a waste of time. Just go and face the people,” said Ongwen.

They challenged the leaders to mobilise young people to register as voters.

Speaking elsewhere, Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju asked Nyanza politicians aspiring for elective seats to suspend election campaigns and concentrate on voter registration mobilisation.

Mass registration

Tuju regretted that some politicians were busy on their campaign trail instead of urging residents to enlist as voters amid concerns over low turnout in the region.

He said the voter registration target for Nyanza would be achieved if politicians prioritised mobilisation instead of their campaigns.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) targets to register more than 1.3 million new voters in Nyanza in its second and final mass registration.

The listing began on January 17 and is expected to end on February 6.

Tuju called for concerted efforts to ensure the region realises the target.

“I understand party nominations are upcoming and every aspirant would want to win. But it will be ideal if we looked at the bigger picture to help achieve the voter listing target,” Tuju said.

Speaking during a meeting with election aspirants at Diakonia in Kabondo Kasipul constituency at the weekend, Tuju also urged politicians in the Nyanza region to help popularise the Azimio la Umoja movement.
He said modalities were being put in place for Jubilee and ODM parties to carry out joint party primaries.
ODM leader Raila Odinga is expected to be unveiled as Azimio la Umoja coalition party presidential candidate.

“The plans are expected to be finalised soon, we are currently working on ground rules which will govern the process of nomination,” he said.

He added: “In Nyanza, we may prioritise giving the coalition tickets to aspirants who lead in mobilising people to register as voters in the General Election.”

Muma warned aspirants against perpetrating chaos during campaigns, saying such politicians will not be denied the party ticket.

She assured that nomination rules will be strictly adhered to to ensure the process is credible.
Tuju and the team visited Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya counties where they urged leaders to use all the modalities to ensure all eligible people register as voters.