ODM branch officials ditch party ahead of grassroots election, join ANC

KENYA: ODM has suffered a setback in Kakamega County following the defection of party branch officials to Amani National Congress (ANC).

ODM County Chairman David Malala led a team of other officials in ditching ODM arguing that it had outlived its usefulness in Western region.

"I took the mantle as chair of ODM four years ago against a backdrop of a very strong anti-ODM wave. I assumed leadership but I soon realised the party had remained a shell. Mine is a personal decision and today I renounce my membership from ODM party and join ANC,'' said Mr Malala.

Speaking during a press briefing yesterday in Kakamega, Malala stated that failure by the party to implement its manifesto after assuming office was the beginning of challenges within the party.

Malala affirmed that he had consulted widely and believes the political tide in the region had changed.

This comes barely two days to ODM grassroots election in Kakamega. The party has slated elections to run from Friday to Sunday.

The outgoing ODM chair said ANC has a national appeal and visionary leadership compared to ODM.

ODM Secretary General and Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba said the defection of the officials was unfortunate and a big loss to the party in the Western region.

"It is unfortunate that such leaders have left the party. I have worked with the officials; they are strong and committed leaders. I wish they would have exercised more patience so that we resolve their concerns," said Mr Namwamba.

The lawmaker said he respects their democratic right of associating with party of their choice and wished them well.

ANC Secretary General Godfrey Osotsi said Malala will be co-opted in the party national executive committee.

"ANC believes in inclusivity from national to grassroots. Malala defection is a demonstration of the party popularity across the country and particularly in Western. We are going to see a lot of defection in coming days," said Mr Osotsi.

Others who ditched the party include Kakamega Youth Chairperson Jackline Okanya, Mumias West ODM Chairman Desterio Okumu, Abiud Wesonga (Mumias East) and Lurambi Youth Leader Collins Babu among others.

POLL PRE-DETERMINED

The officials claimed ODM's grassroots elections had been pre-determined.

"The list of ODM officials is already out despite the fact that upcoming elections will begin on Friday in Kakamega County," said Mr Okumu.

They further added that a few individuals had taken over the party and have been conducting its affairs in secrecy.

But Namwamba said he was not aware of the pre-determined list of officials ahead of the Friday party elections in the county.

"Elections conducted in Vihiga and Busia were open and I believe it will be the same in Kakamega. The party election board will look at the emerging complaints raised because we don't want to go against the wishes of party members," added Namwamba.

Earlier on, ODM had declared that it would carry out the elections through consensus.

According to Lurambi MP Raphael Otaalo, consensus would avert a fallout and chaos within the party.