[Raila Odinga in a past campaign rally. His party is facing difficult moments as key allies line up for governorship contest. Photo. Nation.co.ke]
ODM leader Raila Odinga is facing a major litmus test on party unity as close allies face each other in gubernatorial contest in party primaries.
Despite IEBC ruling out nominations before gazetting of candidates scheduled April 12, the National Elections Board has vowed to continue the exercise which kicks off across the country.
Already, crisis has started building up with nominated senator Elizabeth Ongoro protesting in Orange House on what she termed as ‘weak internal leadership’.
But the major text would be witnessed in traditional strongholds in former Nyanza and Western provinces, where his close allies are set to face each other.
Having dished out tickets to a section of aspirants who lacked opponents, a good number would know their fate by the end of April.
In Nyamira County, incumbent John Nyagarama will be facing West Mugirango MP James Gesami, who also doubles as the party’s county chairman. Already, supporters from rival camps are accusing each other of rigging.
Either, Kisumu County has not been spared with former Secretary General and Kisumu senator Anyang’ Nyong’o is set to face incumbent Jack Ranguma and Ruth Odinga.
Also, Siaya County would witness a mother of all competitions with Amoth Rasanga set to face archrival William Oduol, an established businessman who is believed to have won the ticket in 2013 nominations before losing it following an intervention from Orange House.
And Migori County has had a fair of its violence which ensued between supporters of incumbent Okoth Obado and Ochilo Ayacko in which hundreds of people were injured on Monday.
In Western Kenya, Busia County will attract a major contest between Sospeter Ojaamong and Funyula MP Paul Otwoma. The two are close allies of Mr. Odinga.
How the party handles the nominations not only in governorship, would determine the unity within Kenya’s single largest party.