Muhoroni MP Onyango K’Oyoo has appealed for inclusive and peaceful ODM party grassroots elections next month.
K’Oyoo urged the party members to restrain from hooliganism and acts of violence ahead of the elections to safeguard the party's image. He called on party top leadership to ensure fairness and transparency to elect leaders who have the agenda of the party at heart.
Speaking at Mitando Primary School in his constituency on Monday, he said lack of inclusivity and transparency will hurt Cord leader Raila Odinga’s 2017 presidency bid.
This comes amid reports that there was plan to block K’Oyoo supporters from seeking ODM party position.
The MP, who was elected on PDP party in 2013 after botched ODM primaries, said such acts will cause chaos and conflicts among the party members.
“We need to conduct ourselves maturely in the forthcoming grassroots elections to safeguard the image of our party. Genuine members should be allowed to vote,” he said.
He said members are aware that plan is underway to sneak in a secret list with specific names barring others from participating in the elections.
K’Oyoo said the party has been championing for democracy and reform such as devolution, which require leaders who are focused.
He said party members should all be ready to embrace democracy to elect those need by the public.
K’Oyoo added that there is need to elect fresh leaders that will reform the party ahead of 2017 general election.
“This should be a democratic process and there should be no fear to allow those enjoying the support of citizens,” K’Oyoo said.
He called upon ODM party MPs, senators, MCAs and governors to focus on rebranding the party ahead of the next polls.
K’Oyoo asked them to ensure youths who have not applied for identity cards to do so in readiness for the elections.