'Irregularities' mark Orange Democratic Movement grassroots elections

The four-day ODM grassroots elections in Migori County came to an end amid claims of irregularities, including altering of lists of delegates elected at the ward level.

The elections of county officials got underway even as one of the chairman-elect from North Sakwa Ward was slashed to death by people believed to be political thugs on Monday.

At the close of the exercise yesterday, parallel lists were presented by rival factions that wanted to have their names forwarded as genuine.

Choosing of delegates was at some point delayed for almost the entire day as the officials spent more time scrutinising the list of those who were supposed to vote.

‘REBELS’ CLEARED

At the end of the exercise, Awendo MP Jared Kopiyo (Ford Kenya) was repulsed by party adherents who did not want him to present a list of delegates from his constituency.

This is despite the party’s National Elections Board having cleared ‘party rebels’ to participate.

Peter Odege who failed to topple Nyatike MP Edic Anyanga, also came up with a list of delegates that was, however, rejected on allegations that it was ‘cooked’ and did not represent the interest of the voters.

Rongo constituency also had two parallel lists. MP Dalmas Otieno and his rival, Paul Abuor, each had a list of “credible” members.

Only Kuria East, Suna East and Uriri had a single list of delegates that was not contested.

The  polls took place at the Guidance and Counselling Centre, about three kilometres from Migori town.

The electoral process saw Philip Makabongo (Rongo) elected as the chairman, Elkana Kaudo (Awendo) as treasurer, Joseph Onyango (Suna West) as secretary, Erick Ouma (Suna East), Solomon Misori (Kuria East), Mary Chabwa (Kuria West), Isack Odhiambo (Uriri) and William Odhil (Nyatike) to represent the county at the National Delegates Council.

Women expressed discontent with their representation at the county office, saying it did not meet the two-thirds gender rule as enshrined in the Constitution.

Only one woman was elected among the eight delegates, forcing Commissioner Peter Odoyo, who was overseeing the poll, to create four more positions for the women after consultation with top party officials.