By D, KNA
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership has been cautioned against imposing a candidate on voters ahead of the Kasipul constituency by-election scheduled for November 27.
The seat fell vacant following the murder of the immediate former Kasipul MP, Ong’ondo Were, on April 30.
Local professionals and stakeholders, led by their patron Eng. Tom Okoko, voiced fears that ODM was grooming a preferred candidate, warning that such a move would undermine democracy in the constituency.
Speaking during a press briefing in Oyugis Town, the leaders criticized the party for failing to release its nomination timetable.
Prof. Sylvance Abeka, one of the professionals, said the delay was causing anxiety and casting doubts on the transparency of the nomination process.
“Kasipul is an ODM stronghold, yet no nomination schedule has been announced as time runs out. We are urging the party to give out the timetable immediately,” Abeka said.
He further called on the ODM elections board to conduct free and fair primaries, cautioning against the imposition of leaders.
Former East Kamagak MCA Samuel Okumu expressed concern that the delay might be a tactic to lock out aspirants dissatisfied with the results from seeking alternative tickets.
“If we follow the election timelines, August 29 is the last date for party hopping. ODM seems to be delaying nominations to ensure aspirants have no chance to shift parties,” Okumu said.
The group gave ODM until Monday next week to release the nomination schedule, warning that failure to comply would prompt aspirants to convene a joint meeting to decide on their next move.
Retired teacher Robert Oria appealed directly to ODM leader Raila Odinga to intervene and guarantee transparency.
“We are worried that county government officials are openly campaigning for a specific candidate. We need impartiality and fairness in this process,” Oria said.
The professionals emphasized that the people of Kasipul must be allowed to freely elect their leader through a transparent and credible party nomination process.