[Taita Taveta governor Eng John Mruttu (R) and National Assembly Minority Whip, and Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu. Photo/the-star] ODM is once again facing a tough hurdle, today (Tuesday), in conducting nomination, in some of the areas perceived to be its stronghold.
The Raila Odinga-led party is conducting nominations in Taita Taveta, TransNzoia, Nyamira, Nakuru and Kajiado Counties, with some candidates already raising fears, of possible rigging.
In Taita Taveta, incumbent governor Eng John Mruttu is facing competition from National Assembly Minority Whip, and Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu, with both enjoying massive support from the party, and ground.
Mruttu has since raised concerns that some of the County Elections Board members are linked to his rival.
Speaking, Monday, Mruttu lamented he filed a complaint to the ODM National Elections Board (NEB) chaired by Judith Pareno, but a week later, nothing had been done.
"I complaint about my competitor having close links with one of the Elections Board member in the county, and how the Board members were seen by my supporters having a closed door meeting with my opponent the other day. But nothing has been done. It is so bad to see that the same Board is going to conduct nominations,'' Mruttu said.
He called for postponement of the primaries, and reshuffling of the Board.
However, Pareno in her update, said NEB was satisfied with the preparations for the nominations.
"Election materials have been dispatched to Taita Taveta, TransNzoia, Nyamira, Nakuru and Kajiado Counties where the exercise will be held Tuesday,'' she said.
''The Board has noted the concerns raised by some of the aspirants in Taita Taveta and Nyamira Counties and wants to assure all the aspirants that the nominations are free, fair and transparent and nobody is being favoured for any position by anybody in the party,'' Pareno clarified.