Dolphina Odhiambo disputes Sh500,000 nomination fee in Gor Mahia polls
Gor Mahia fans celebrate in the streets of Nairobi ahead of the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo National Stadium on March 30, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier will be defending his post.
- The senior lawyer has served as chairman since 2009 a period in which the mighty Gor have won nine league titles.
Trouble is brewing in Gor Mahia ahead of the April 13 elections after one of the aspirants raised queries over the amount of nomination money being paid to contest and the account where the money is to be deposited.
The Gichu Wahome-led Electoral Board on Wednesday released the road map for the polls detailing the nominations fees for the various posts that must be paid by midnight Friday.
Those vying for chairman post will part with a nomination fee of Sh500,000, vice chairman Sh450,000, and secretary general and treasurer positions Sh400,000 each.
“Where do they want us to get Sh500,000 in two days? The issue is that how will it be confirmed that those in the office have paid the money genuinely?” posed Dolphina Odhiambo, the outgoing club treasurer, who is eyeing the big seat.
According to Odhiambo, the fees being charged are outrageous and are meant to lock her out.
In the 2020 elections, all the aspirants paid a nomination fee of Sh20,000 for any post they desired to run for.
“This is a ploy to milk us dry and we want the board to change the mode of payment so that the money can be paid to an independent account controlled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
"We also call for the monitoring of the club account against any withdrawal because some of them can’t manage to pay the fee,” she added.
The official has however ruled out going to court over the issue saying that will be falling into the trap of her opponents who are hell bent on clinging to their posts.
Other members of the Gor Mahia electoral board are Ben Sihanya, Omondi Oketch, Henry Ogoye and Rose Lillian.
The board is also expected to come up with the final list of registered members after the March 31 registration deadline.
Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier will be defending his post.
The senior lawyer has served as chairman since 2009 a period in which the mighty Gor have won nine league titles.
Secretary General Sam Ochola has an uphill task in defending his post as he will battle with former Kathani High School Principal Canor Arum for the seat.
Vice Chairman Francis Wasuna will be defending his seat against his 2020 rival and former club treasurer Sally Bollo. Victor Mbaka has also announced his candidature.
Current Executive Committee Member Gerphas Okuku leads Dalmas Philip Nyakwana and Migono Migono in fighting for the treasure post.