Kilifi County vocal senatorial aspirant Jacobs Fikirini has clarified that Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) party has not issued a direct nomination to any aspirant contesting for the senatorial seat in the County.
Addressing the press in Kilifi town, Fikirini disclaimed the rumors going round among the residents and all over social media which claim that he is no longer contesting for the seat because his opponent, the incumbent Senator Stewart Madzayo has been issued a direct ticket by ODM.
The outspoken student leader informed his supporters that he is still on the race as a senator on ODM ticket and is awaiting nominations or otherwise the party’s way forward’s decision.
“There have been rumours going on that me or Madzayo have been given direct ticket but am here to clarify that no direct ticket has been offered on women rep, senate and gubernatorial seat,” Fikirini clarified.
He said he is waiting on the National Electoral Board (NEB) to officially give a statement on whether ODM will get into primaries or consensus in choosing the best candidate for the senatorial position.
Fikirini promised that should he loose in the primaries, he will be willing to work with whoever will be elected in the position.
“I was looking forward to ballot nominations in order to ensure free and fair nominations, with voters picking their leader of choice. I am ready to work if elected and if I lose am ready to work with the senator elected,” Fikirini said.
He told his supporters to calm down as he looks forward to work for the people of Kilifi should he be elected first in the primaries and on the August general elections as the senator.
He said despite the challenges the ODM party is facing, the party is committed to ensure that no leadership position comes from Governor Amason Kingi’s party Pamoja African Alliance.
So far, ODM conducted primaries for Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions in Kilifi county over the weekend.
During the announcements of the primaries’ results, Kilifi County ODM vice chairperson Joseph Chilumo said that some places adopted consensus thus the party did not see the need of conducting nominations.
Chilumo further stated that if the party will see the need to hold consensus among some candidates according to their will, then that shall be it.
He also mentioned that if the party decides upon primaries for the remaining positions, it will be done in free and fair grounds.
He noted that the party is facing hurdles but it is trying its best to ensure they win the electoral posts in August.