[ODM leader Raila Odinga in a past rally. A number of senior party officials have been accused of receiving millions to determine outcome of primaries. Photo/Nation]
A crisis is brewing in Orange House following party primaries that saw senior ODM politicians decamp the party and blaming the party for allegedly holding ‘sham’ elections.
Even though ODM leader Raila Odinga has remained mum over party primaries in which rigging claims surfaced, a number of senior politicians have warned that the party might collapse should a section of workers within Orange House continue serving.
Those hit by the party’s decision to award losers with certificate include Jack Ranguma [Kisumu], Oyugi Magwanga (Homabay), and Caroli Omondi [Suba South] among others.
A senior lawyer who spoke on in confidence has accused a number of officials of allegedly pocking millions to help politicians who openly failed in nominations but were awarded certificates under unclear circumstances.
“Raila may not be aware but we have cartels that used the nominations to enrich themselves. They failed to honour people’s voice and that will ruin the party,” said the source.
“In fact, they were bagging up to Sh5 million just to influence an outcome and this is not good for the democracy within the party.”
Those named include Oduor Ongwen (Executive Director), NEB Chairlady Judy Pareno, her Secretary Dr Robert Arunga and lawyer Tony Moturi.
The claims cannot however be verified independently even though Mr Moturi has at some time dismissed the allegations as ‘rumours’.
Recently, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo accused nominated MP Oburu Oginga of allegedly pocketing millions from Governors to help them get nomination certificates.
Midiwo had lost to Elisha Odhiambo in Gem although he contested the results and it’s unclear whether he will run as an independent.