The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has denied claims that it has ordered a repeat of the Kakamega County Coordinating Committee elections. The party described the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement released on Friday, the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) said no such directive has been issued. “Any information to the contrary is false and should be ignored,” the committee said. Party members were urged to rely only on official communications.
Background
Reports had suggested that ODM had annulled the Kakamega County Coordinating Committee elections due to internal wrangles. The party has been holding grassroots elections nationwide to strengthen internal democracy and reorganize its structures.
In several counties, including Kakamega, the process has triggered tension. Aspirants have traded accusations of favoritism and electoral malpractice.
Barasa Declared Winner
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa was declared the ODM county chairperson during party primaries held at Ikolomani KMTC Campus last week. He retained the position he has held for the past two years.
Barasa was contesting the seat against Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera. Barasa’s camp supported acclamation or consensus, while Nabwera’s camp pushed for a secret ballot. The disagreement delayed the election.
Despite a seven-hour negotiation between the two camps and ODM officials, no consensus was reached. Nabwera’s camp eventually walked out, leaving Barasa’s camp and returning officer Felix Ngara to conduct the election. Barasa was declared the winner.
ODM Reaffirms Transparency
ODM continues to emphasize transparency in its internal processes. The party reiterated that any official directives would come directly from the leadership and should be communicated clearly to all members.
This clarification aims to calm tensions and ensure party members focus on official announcements rather than rumors.
