A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have disputed the party’s County Delegates elections held at Budokomi cereal stores on Friday.
Led by the immediate former Party Chairman Geoffrey Odanga, the leaders claimed that the elections were marred by chaos after goons allied to Busia Governor Paul Otuoma disrupted the entire process.
‘Goons who are not bonafide delegates came to the polling station wearing T-shirts branded with Otuoma’s name,” he said, adding that Otuoma is not even a registered delegate.
Odanga added that the genuine delegates reported to the polling centre peacefully in readiness to cast their votes, but another group from the County Assembly alleged to be affiliated with governor were mandated to read the election register yet there were officials tasked to do so.
“Materials for registration especially the voter register were snatched from the returning officer and they started using fake lists,” he said.
Teso North Member of Parliament Oku Kaunya claimed that delegates from his constituency were locked out.
“There has been chaos that has led to injuries to the County election chairman and other officials who have been rushed to the hospital for treatment,” he said.
Kaunya asked the ODM National Elections Board to organise fresh elections and take action against those who hired goons.
The Busia governor, who claimed to have won the elections said that the party needed a leader who will unite the members
“For those who have been given the mandate, let’s bring other people on board because ODM is family. I am going to work for all the members of the ODM and we are going to defend this territory to be a 100% ODM zone,” said Otuoma.
He argued that the outgoing chairperson, Geoffrey Odanga had enough time to help the party and there is need for him to support others.
“The former chairperson has had more than 10 years of chairmanship; what does he need to prove? Where is the problem if members say that they need another person? If he gets an ODM ticket, I will support him so that we ensure the party secures all the seats in the county,” he said.
Busia woman Rep Catherine Omanya called on all who were competing for the position to join the declared team so that they could build the party.
“We are urging those who want to be leaders to join them and move the agenda of the party ahead and ensure its stability. This team is an able one and I have trust in them that they will make our party greater in our county,” she said.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Mudenyo asked the governor to champion the needs of the people of Busia in the party.
“People of Busia County are looking up to you to champion for their needs in the party. Let our people get their portion in the party through your leadership. We want those who have been serving to support this team as their leaders as we move forward,” he said.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
