ODM Chief Raila Odinga and other party officials during a past press briefing.PHOTO:POOL
A wave of discontent has swept across the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) strongholds in Nyanza, following widespread reports of election irregularities, violence, and a lack of transparency during the party’s grassroots elections.
The developments have raised serious concerns about the credibility and fairness of the ongoing electoral processes.
Sources within the party hirachy expressed deep concern over the legitimacy of the grassroots elections, which they described as being severely undermined in various constituencies.
“What we’ve witnessed is deeply concerning. In many areas, there were no elections at all, while in others, the process was hijacked by individuals pushing personal interests. This is not the democracy ODM has long stood for,” noted a key figure privy of the party’s modes of operations.
Allegations of Rigging and Violence in Key Constituencies
In Suna West (Migori County), it is alleged that the sitting Member of Parliament orchestrated a selection process that heavily favored close associates, effectively locking out other aspirants.
Meanwhile, in Nyando Constituency (Kisumu County), reports emerged that no elections took place, with grassroots members reporting zero activity at the ward level.
A youth leader from Nyando, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, shared their frustrations: “We arrived early expecting to vote, but there was no communication, no materials, no officials. It was clear the process had been abandoned or controlled elsewhere.”
In Homa Bay County, particularly in the Rangwe and Kabondo Kasipul areas, violence and unrest broke out as locals expressed anger over election delays, confusion, and what many perceived as the deliberate exclusion of legitimate aspirants.
Millicent Awuor, a women’s league mobilizer from Rangwe, recounted: “We saw attempts to rig the process before it even began. People were angry, and fights broke out when some names appeared to have been imposed.”
Communication from the Party on Disputed Results
The ODM party has also addressed concerns regarding the results from several constituencies, including Embakasi West, Mathare, Ruaraka, Lang’ata, Suna West, Nyakach, Nyando, Matayos, and Kwale County. The party confirms that these results have not been published as they remain disputed. The final results will be released once the Central Committee team, which has been handling the appeals, submits its report.
In light of these disputes, the party has also announced that there will be an additional window for affected delegates to register for elections, ensuring that all concerns are addressed fairly and transparently.
Call for Reform and Intervention from ODM Leadership
A senior official who sought anonymity acknowledged that these incidents posed a serious threat to ODM’s credibility and called for immediate intervention by the party’s national leadership. “As county officials, we have listened to the frustrations from our members. These elections must be revisited.
If ODM wants to remain the party of the people, we must uphold fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in all our processes,” the official urged.
The recent incidents are not new to ODM, as the party has long struggled with chaotic primaries, which have led to alienation among supporters and weakened internal structures. The current situation echoes previous cycles where violence, mismanagement, and top-down interference dominated party elections.
Urgent Call for Action
Grassroots members and local leaders are now calling on the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Party Headquarters to consider conducting repeat polls in contested areas. They are also demanding internal reforms to restore faith in the party’s democratic principles.
A formal address on the matter is scheduled for April 25, during a consultative forum where county-level reports will be presented and discussed.
The party’s leadership is expected to take decisive action to ensure that the grassroots elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the values of fairness, transparency, and democracy.
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