Political and civil society leaders in the county have criticised the party leadership for allegedly imposing nominee Moses Kajwang' on the electorate.
ODM leader Raila Odinga's comments on the nomination of the candidate for the Homa Bay senatorial seat have led to opposition against the nominee.
During his visit at Ligisa Secondary in the county, Raila assured the area residents that ODM would fall back on universal suffrage on grounds that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had extended the nomination period by 10 days.
Minority Assembly leader Isaac Nyandege and Kwabwai ward representative Richard Ogindo said it was wrong for the party to give a free nomination certificate to a candidate without consulting the electorate.
Speaking at Olodo Primary where he held a football tournament, Nyandege said the move denies Homa Bay residents an opportunity to elect a qualified leader.
No consultations
"It is very wrong for a political party to elect a candidate on behalf of the people. What has happened here will culminate in a situation where a leader serves the interest of the party rather than that of the people," Nyandege said.
Homa Bay County Bunge la Wenye nchi group expressed concern that ODM elections board decided to issue the certificate to Mr Kajwang' without consulting the people.
Led by their co-ordinator Wyclief Omondi and Clerk George Okiki, members of the civil society said even the criteria which were quoted by elections board chairperson Judy Pareno did not reflect the candidate whom they gave the certificate.
"Raila told us the nomination would be returned to the people because IEBC had extended the deadline, yet what we are witnessing is completely different. We are calling on residents to shun party politics and elect a senator of their choice come February," Okiki said.
Former Karachuonyo Sub-branch ODM Chairman Jack Nduri said ODM will lose support if it continues with irregular nomination of candidates.
However, Kasingri ward rep Dickson Nyaronyi supported the move by the party, saying it would console the late senator Kajwang's family.
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