ODM party has launched investigations after a section of its grassroots elections were interrupted by chaos on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

In a statement from the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), ODM stated that the party would take action on perpetrators of violence witnessed in a section of the areas where the elections were conducted.

“In instances where violence was witnessed, we have launched investigations, and action will be taken against the perpetrators regardless of their position in society,” the Orange party noted.

ODM observed, however, that the exercise went smoothly and uninterrupted in most polling units across the country, save for isolated places where some individuals were accused of interference.

Also, ODM noted that the grassroots elections were slower in a few parts of the country due to heavy rains pounding most areas of the country.

95 per cent success

The party equally noted that the elections commenced as scheduled across all 47 counties with most polling units being opened at 10:00 am as stipulated in the party’s elections and nominations rules.

“We want to report that the exercise was largely peaceful in 95 per cent of the polling units and results are being uploaded into the election portal by the respective presiding officers,” ODM stated.

The exercise was undertaken with the supervision and coordination of both the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee and the secretariat.

“We want to thank our officers on the ground who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the elections and to our supporters who turned out in large numbers to participate in this important process,” ODM added.

Lodge complaints

ODM also urged all aggrieved parties to lodge their complaints through the party’s election appeal portal on its website within 24 hours after the results are declared. Complainants will part with Ksh3,000 for every complaint lodged.

The positions that were contested in the mainstream category were those of the chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, organising secretary, treasurer, women leader, youth leader and three committee members.

Also, in the women and youth league, the positions that were up for grabs were those of the chairperson, secretary, organising secretary and their deputies, treasurer and three committee members.

ODM also stated that the elections would be carried out from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and that the county election coordinators would be expected to oversee the process.

ODM also indicated that the elections would be conducted through consensus or the show of hands.