Chaos has erupted in Kasipul Constituency just days before the highly anticipated Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party nominations, as aspirants for the vacant parliamentary seat accuse the party of poor communication and alleged plans to manipulate the process.
Speaking on Monday, several candidates voiced frustration over what they described as “unclear and inconsistent communication” from the party regarding the nomination timeline and procedures.
The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who succumbed to gunshot injuries in Nairobi on April 30.
With just four days left before the scheduled nominations, the aspirants claimed they still lacked critical information such as who would oversee the process and where the tallying would take place.
“If this were truly going to be a free and fair nomination, we would already know the officials and logistics involved. Instead, we’re left in the dark and that raises suspicion,” one aspirant said.
The candidates accused unnamed ODM leaders and county officials of allegedly attempting to influence the outcome in favour of a preferred candidate.
They warned that such actions would be met with strong resistance from the people of Kasipul.
“To those plotting to manipulate this process, let me be clear try somewhere else. Kasipul will not tolerate rigging,” a candidate declared. “This party does not belong to individuals. ODM today is not the ODM of yesterday we will not allow interference.”
Another aspirant called for transparency and fairness, stating that democracy must be upheld not just nationally, but also at the grassroots level.
“All candidates deserve to be informed about the returning officer, the tallying centre, and the nomination schedule. So far, only one candidate seems to have that information, which is unacceptable,” they said.
While the candidates stopped short of naming the individual allegedly being favoured, they warned that any signs of bias or electoral malpractice could lead to voter apathy not only during the nominations, but also in the upcoming November 27 by-election.
“If the will of the people is subverted to serve the personal interests of county leaders, ODM risks losing the trust and the votes of Kasipul residents,” one aspirant warned.
As tensions rise, the party faces mounting pressure to ensure transparency, fairness, and open communication in the nomination process, which could set the tone for the by-election ahead.
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