ODM delegates elect grassroots leaders in low-key event
Daniel Ouma Omuonya (centre), the new ODM chairman for Langas Ward in Kapseret Constituency, Uasin Gishu County. He takes Omuonya takes over from Michael Ombucha third (right).
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates on Monday elected their grassroots leaders in polls marred by low turnout, protests, boycotts and in some regions, bouts of violence.
According to the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) the sub-branch (ward) elections were meant to pave way for branch (constituency) poll set to be held on Wednesday, April 9.
A total of 77 party officials are set be elected at the sub-branch and branch levels across four committees— including mainstream, women’s league, youth league and disability league.
The Monday polls were largely peaceful except incidents of violence recorded in parts of Nyanza, the home turf of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, two men sustained serious injuries in a violent clash at Buche Primary School.
One of the victims lost his palm after his wrist was slashed with a machete, while the other suffered a deep cut on his arm.
Both were taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.
Witnesses reported that voting started smoothly in the morning before it was disrupted by a group of youths who stormed the station.
Ndhiwa Police Commander John Losia said security officers were deployed to man the polling centre at Kanyamwa Kologi Ward.
He told Nation that the attackers arrived in a Toyota Probox but were confronted by local residents who resisted the disruption, leading to the fight that left the two men injured.
“They were overpowered by residents of the area who demanded that they leave. In the process a fight broke out and the two men were injured,” he said.
Mr Losia said his officers intervened and managed to restore peace at the polling station.
Still in Homa Bay, two ODM supporters died on Monday morning as they were traveling to a polling station to take part in the ongoing grassroots elections.
The two men died at Arujo Bridge in the outskirts of Homa Bay town after a motorcycle they were traveling on was hit by an oncoming lorry.
Another party supporter who was on the same motorcycle suffered multiple fractures and was admitted to the county teaching and referral hospital.
Homa Bay Sub-county Police Commander Emanuel Kipalagat said the lorry that was involved in the accident was trying to overtake another vehicle when the accident occurred.
“Both vehicles were moving towards Homa Bay Town then the rider had a head on collision with the lorry.
"The lorry driver had moved to the right side of the road as he was overtaking before it hit the rider who was moving in the opposite direction,” he said.
Control of the party
In Kisumu, low turnout marred the polls as few supporters showed up to elect delegates at the ward levels.
A few incidents were however reported in Sondu, Nyakach Constituency, where supporters of various candidates were battling for the control of the Orange party ahead of 2027 General Election.
In Kisii, the exercise was conducted without incidences. ODM Kisii County chairman Kerosi Ondieki lauded delegates who came out to cast their votes.
"We did our elections well and we hope that the same will be replicated when we do other elections on higher levels," Mr Ondieki said.
“We are fully prepared to capture power in the next general election and would not want anything that slows us down,” he added.
In Mombasa, the polls failed to take place after tens of ODM delegates protested at the conduct of the elections, saying it was not free and fair.
Led by Betty Sharon, the delegates said the elections did not kick off in Mombasa due to differences.
The county has two camps one led by Ms Sharon and another one manned by the Mombasa County ODM chairman Mohammed Dee.
"The elections did not kick off because we have different factions in Mombasa. We are the genuine delegates. We want to see the democracy in ODM. There are divisions in ODM, some families believe they own this political party," said Ms Sharon.
When contacted the ODM Mombasa county chairman did not respond but there were reports that the party resorted to consensus to address the grievances.
In Uasin Gishu County, the polls were conducted peacefully but the turnout was low.
Party supporters hailed the broad-based government arrangement between President William Ruto and Mr Odinga, terming it a great milestone that has facilitated harmony between ODM youths and UDA in the county.
Speaking after participating in ODM grassroots nominations at Langas ward, the youths said that due to broad-based policy, ODM nominations in the county will be peaceful.
“Broad-based government initiated by President Ruto and Mr Odinga has immensely contributed to unity and good working relationship between their followers in Uasin Gishu, and that is why we are witnessing peaceful ODM nominations here at Langas,” said Kassam Oyoo, ODM youth leader in Uasin Gishu.
Mr Oyoo said that ODM youths and their UDA counterparts have already forged a good working relationship necessitating development at grassroot level.
Another ODM youth leader, Quinter Adhiambo, said the working relationship between the two leaders has salvaged relationships between youths from various political divides.
Ms Adhiambo said ODM youths in Uasin Gishu are now great ambassadors of the broad-based government.
“All of us support a broad-based government which is now very strong in the grassroots and we have embarked on a campaign to strengthen it in all counties across the country,” said Ms Adhiambo.
Similar sentiments were echoed by outgoing Langas ward ODM chair, Michael Ombucha, who said all followers of Mr Odinga are advocating for broad-based government for the sake of unity and development.
In Siaya, many wards reported calm and smooth operations.
The process in Alego Usonga kicked off a bit late after materials reportedly arrived late at different stations.
William Otieno, one of the election officials, told Nation that the process went smoothly at Siaya Township Ward.
“We began a bit late after materials arrived late, however, the process is smooth and we look forward to completing on time, as scheduled set by the party election body,” said Mr Otieno.
He, however, lamented the low turn in some polling stations.
“We merged some polling stations in order to fasten the process, however, we have also seen low turnout in many stations,” he added.
In Gem, Bondo, Ugunja, Ugenya and Bondo constituencies, the process went on smoothly. In many places the party opted for consensus as a way of getting the leaders.
By George Odiwuor, Victor Raballa, Kassim Adinasi, Wycliffe Nyaberi, Tom Ominde and Winnie Atieno