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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) yesterday moved to quell a storm that has erupted within its ranks over preferred candidates.

The party’s secretary-general Edwin Sifuna allayed fears that it had identified preferred candidates in certain regions for 2022 polls.

“ODM party leadership has read with interest, reports appearing in a section of the media to the effect that there is a line-up for various elective positions in Siaya County,” Sifuna said in a statement.

He added: “We acknowledge that consensus is one method our party elections and nomination rules provide for, but this can only be initiated by National Elections Board.”

This comes even as Siaya Senator James Orengo termed as ‘fake’ reports that he was among those in the party leader Raila Odinga’s list of preferred candidates in Siaya County.

In a press statement, Orengo- who doubles as the leader of minority in the Senate, said that he is not aware of any nominations that ODM has conducted regarding the 2022 polls.

“Over years, even the most senior ODM party officials have had to go through the party nominations processes and I believe this will not change,” he added.

According to media reports, Senator Orengo, 70, has reportedly joined hands with Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga, 77 who is seeking to replace him in the Senate.

Taking his frustrations to the floor of the Senate yesterday, Orengo said he has participated in democratic elections since he plunged into politics.

“ I ask the two daily newspapers which put out these stories to first determine their sources,” he told senators.