The recent suggestion by some Cord governors from Luo Nyanza to be given direct party nominations has continued to elicit sharp reactions.
Collins Otieno, an aspirant eyeing the Homa Bay town legislative seat has said that the move by the governors is an indication that they have failed in their job and are trying to get back to power by all means.
“The governors have seen a possibility of not being re-elected. They are therefore doing everything possible to get back to their seats,” said Otieno.
The aspirant said that direct nominations would deprive Kenyans of their right to choose the leaders of their choice. He added that Luo Nyanza is an ODM stronghold and therefore, a direct nomination is as good as a direct ticket to power.
“Most aspirants who have tried to be elected from other parties in Nyanza other than ODM have always failed. The leaders are gazing for the top seats without working,” said Otieno.
The candidate added that direct nominations may result to violence since party supporters are likely to fight over the direct nominations especially when other contestants are locked out.
“No supporter would want his candidate to be “snatched” the certificate. They would resolve to violence to get it,” added Otieno. Cord governors from Nyanza led by Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, Kisumu’s Jack Ranguma and Siaya’s Cornel Rasanga had asked their party heads to give them a direct nomination ahead of 2017 polls.
Their request was however dismissed by ODM national chairman John Mbadi who said that all aspirants will face competitive nominations in the run-up to the next general election.