Opposition leader Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is having a hard time agreeing on its candidate in the looming Migori senatorial by-election.
This follows a new disagreement among the party's top officials on how to pick its candidate for the slot, with its decision to issue a direct ticket seemingly having angered a section of the bloc.
The differences emerged on Monday when the ODM National Elections Board Chair Judith Pareno opposed initial recommendations by the party's Migori officials to have former Rongo lawmaker Ochilo Ayacko given the chance.
“The National Elections Board of the ODM wishes to disassociate itself from reports quoting one Philip Makabongo regarding the party’s flag bearer in the Migori Senate race,” she said in a statement, according to the Standard.
But in response, the Migori Electoral College led by Phillip Makabongo defended the move, bashing Pareno for forcing herself into the issue and compelling them to seek her permission.
“As a branch, we are allowed to do what we did. It was lawful because we do not need to seek permission from Nairobi to hold our branch meetings,” Mr Makabongo was quoted.
The seat fell vacant after the death of its former holder Ben Oluoch Okello who succumbed to cancer last month.
Also in the race are his son and nephew Willis Okello and Mark Okundi respectively, and Migori County Assembly Speaker Gordon Ogolla.
The ruling Jubilee Party has since kept off the race dated for October 8.