[ODM leader Raila Odinga in a past rally. His ODM might get few elected people in parliament due to high number of popular candidates going as Independents. Photo/NATION]
A rebellion is brewing in Raila Odinga’s ODM party following underwhelming nomination exercise in his Nyanza bedrock as disgruntled popular candidates joins Independent parties after alleged rigging in primaries.
Having gone silent on the matter and with NEB’s inability to handle the issue, Odinga’s ODM might be understaffed in 12th parliament should the alleged poplar canddiates win in their new home.
Among the worst him regions include Homabay, Migori, Siaya, Kisumu and Nyamira counties in which election officials were declaring more than one aspirant as outright winner due to pressure from above.
In Nyamira, West Mugirango MP James Gesami has already ditched ODM party on grounds that he was rigged by incumbent John Nyagarama.
Following Saturday’s appeals board to award Anyang Nyong’o Kisumu governorship ticket, incumbent Jack Ranguma will go as an Independent. In Siaya, Nicholas Gumbo, the projected winner of governorship has joined the list alongside Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo who disputes the outcome.
In Homabay where chaos were witnessed, Oyugi Magwanga has resolved to go as an independent after the party awarded Cyprian Awiti certificate despite the controversy surrounding the exercise.
Also notable casualties are Jim Akali who contested results in which Millie Odhiambo was declared winner in Mbita and Carol Omondi who accused ODM chairman John Mbadi of rigging him in Suba South.