Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has changed perception on joint political party’s nominations to avoid a fallout that has the potential of causing voter apathy especially in the presidential race.
Addressing a rally at Orahey grounds in Wajir town, Odinga reassured voters that they will be able to choose their leaders from among Azimio affiliates at their leisure.
This comes after affiliate parties threatened to defect in the next few weeks as party nominations are held across the country.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says political parties should submit membership lists on or before April 9.
Party primaries will be held between April 13 and 26 and the entire process including the nomination of the presidential candidates by political parties is expected to have been finalised by May 2.
Joint tickets will only be considered in places where fielding numerous candidates would result in a loss.
Various parties have already begun separate preparations for party nominations, which are set to take place on April 22.
Odinga is torn between old and new allies in Coast in a fierce nominations contest.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has also warned that bad blood among members is likely to whittle down the party’s support base in the region.
Suleiman Shahbal, who is vying for the third time after losing twice to Hassan Joho in 2013 and 2017, had raised concern over the presiding officers and those who will be managing the primaries.
Alluding to fears of being rigged out, he vowed to have his own people counting the votes and closely monitoring the primaries to ensure credibility.
“It should be a person we all know and trust. We want to know how the process will begin, where the ballot papers will be printed, how many boxes, who will count and certify,” the businessman said.
