Past chaotic ODM nominations Photo/the-star.co.ke
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has complained about how political parties are micromanaged in Kenya. Speaking during a live interview, Odinga faulted the Registrar of Political Parties for limiting the freedom of expression of voluntary organizations.
“Political parties are voluntary organizations and should be allowed to run their affairs as they wish. They do not have to go to the registrar of political parties to carry out this exercise. There was no time to do a repeat which led to the confusion,” Odinga said.
The ODM leader was complaining about inadequate time to solve disputes that resulted from the primaries. He said lack of time to carry out repeat nominations has disorganized parties who decided to rush through the appeals filed by several candidates.
Meanwhile, ODM was affected by widespread irregularities, especially in Luo Nyanza. There have been defections and others deciding to vie as independent candidates.
Funyula MP Paula Otwoma was among the first victims in Busia County gubernatorial nominations. He lost to the incumbent Sospeter Ojaamong but decided to go independent despite pledging to support Raila’s State House bid.
In Kisumu and Migori the Drama was worse. Two aspirants were declared winners of a single ticket.