Former Cabinet Minister Ochillo Ayacko could know his fate on whether he will be ODM's automatic candidate for Migori senatorial by-election on Monday, it has emerged.
With the elections slated for October 8th, the party had announced that it will handpick a candidate despite interests by a number of leaders.
“In respect to the Migori County senatorial seat, the NEC shall determine the mode of nomination of its candidate in accordance to Rule 18.2 of the ODM election and nomination rules.
"The decision of NEC shall be communicated on or 27th July and the successful candidate shall be notified of the decision,” National Election Board (NEB) Secretary Dave Arunga said.
Instead, the party leadership made U-turn on Monday when it referred the matter to Central Committee,in which Raila sits in place of NEC.
A source within Orange House said Raila will now resolve the puzzle whether the party will stand with its initial handpicking decision or it will go for nominations.
"Many candidates have emerged and remember there was an agreement to have Ayacko be the sole candidate.
"This necessitated Raila's decision to call for the meeting. He will decide whether to have Ayacko take the ticket or competitively face other candidates," said the source.
Depending on the decision, democracy within the party will be tasked given it's bad reputation of rigging popular candidates.
During Ben Oluoch's funeral, Raila reconciled Ayacko with Migori Governor Okoth Obado, after years of intrigues and as a result, it's believed that the former Energy Minister was promised to be flag bearer of the party.
Later, Ayacko withdrew gubernatorial petition against Ayacko and declined ambassadorial nomination, an indication that he was ready for the senate duty.
Others in the race are businessman David Osiany, Dalmas Otieno, John Pesa and former Nyatike Omondi Anyanga.
ODM boss Oduor Ongwen however dismissed claims that the meeting is set to discuss Ayacko's fate.
“This is a routine meeting of the Central Committee. The issue of nomination may come up but it is not the only issue to be discussed,” said Ong’wen.