A section of ODM leaders, including Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o, have differed with Raila Odinga on calls to have IEBC take charge of party nominations.
Prof Nyong’o while speaking in Kisumu said politicians have no problem with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) presiding over party elections.
His sentiments were backed by nominated senator Joy Gwendo.
“Our party nominations will be conducted in February next year if possible by the IEBC,” said the Kisumu senator on Sunday.
Uriri MP John Kobado has also supported the proposal by President Uhuru Kenyatta to have IEBC conduct all party nominations.
Cord leader Raila however argues that political parties should have a free hand in deciding how to nominate their candidates.
Raila says that giving IEBC the mandate to handle party nominations amounts to micromanagement.
“If a political party wants to invite the IEBC to conduct their nominations, which should be a free choice but don’t come up with the regulations to force political parties to invite IEBC. Political parties are private organisations. They should organise themselves differently,” Raila said on August 10, as quoted by Nation.
Orange Democratic Movement continues to receive criticism from its supporters over the manner in which it conducts its party nominations.
Allegations of lack of democracy and skewed nomination of candidates have rocked the party, with key figures leaving Raila’s camp, citing frustrations.
There have been reports that some candidates are handpicked by the former prime minister despite losing in party nominations, with his favourite candidates being given nomination certificates.
It remains unclear whether Raila will accommodate other ODM leaders’ calls to have the national elections body to take charge of the party nominations.
Jubilee has agreed that IEBC will conduct its nominations to ensure transparency and fairness.