Siaya Senator James Orengo has dismissed reports that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has preferred candidates for Siaya elective posts.
In a statement, he termed reports by media houses as fake claiming the story was meant to interfere with the ongoing voter registration exercise.
He said that he is not aware of any nominations that ODM has conducted anywhere in the country in the upcoming general elections.
“As far as I am aware, ODM has not conducted any nominations and there are no preferred candidates in Siaya County,” read part of the statement.
The Minority Leader in the Senate said ODM has in previous years subjected even the most senior party officials to nominations, which he believes will change ahead of the next general elections.
He noted politics that is non-competitive is undemocratic and autocratic and belongs to the tragic past.
“I also want to confirm that I am not in any contrived line-up of candidates and condemn any such moves to stifle democracy within the party,” he said.
Ugunja Member of Parliament Opiyo Wandayi withdrew from the 2022 Siaya Gubernatorial race last week.
According to Wandayi, he made the decision after extensive consultations with the ODM leadership.
“…having listened keenly to the voices of my Ugunja constituents, I wish to make it known that I shall not be a candidate for the position of governor of Siaya county in 2022,” he said.