By D, KNA
Kasipul parliamentary aspirant Newton Ogada has petitioned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to nullify last week’s party nominations, over alleged irregularities.
Ogada called for a repeat of the exercise on grounds that it was not free and fair, claiming that the nominations were marred by violence and widespread intimidation of voters.
ODM members were voting to nominate a candidate for the upcoming parliamentary by-election.
Five politicians had expressed interest in the seat and contested for ODM ticket. Other contestants were George Otieno, Boyd Were, Dr. Adel Otoman and Daniel Majiwa.
Following the exercise Boyd Were was declared winner after garnering 18,210 votes. He was followed by Ogada with 3,037 votes. Majiwa got 621 votes, Dr. Ottoman 463, while Otieno polled 396 votes.
Ogada argued that the figures do not reflect the turnout at the ballot. “We are aware of cases where goons stormed polling stations, chased away voters and staffed ballot boxes,” he said.
The aspirant said this was an affront to democracy and it erodes public trust in the party. “Some people want to ruin the public trust in the party. This is outrageous,” he said.
Addressing the media, Ogada further said the whole process was marred by confusion after some polling stations were moved at the last minute.
During the exercise violence erupted, resulting in several vehicles being damaged by goons including three Toyota TX and seven Toyota Pobox. The same goons also vandalized Berils hospital.
Ogada said it was unacceptable that such incidents happened when the party claims to promote democracy.
“How can we preach integrity if we fail to uphold democracy within our own party structures?,” he posed.
He called on ODM leadership to take immediate and decisive action including investigating and bringing to book those behind the violence and irregularities.
Ogada therefore said the party should repeat the nomination process and institute reforms to prevent a repeat of what happened.