Row in ODM over Homa Bay election

Homa Bay, Kenya: A rift is brewing in Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with two factions claiming to be in charge of the election of Homa Bay branch officials. The factions, one led by ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohamed and the other by Chairman John Mbadi, appear to be flexing their political might in determining who gives orders for the election to be held.

Junet has since cancelled the election that had been sanctioned by Mbadi and slated for tomorrow.

"There will be no election for the Homabay branch officials until further notice. Nobody should purport to call for an election without my approval as the director of elections," said Junet.

But speaking to The Standard, Mbadi explained that nobody can overrule the chairman of the party except the party leader and insisted that tomorrow's meeting is still on and that the vacant positions will be filled.

Mbadi said because the branch had no chairman or secretary, the other officials wrote to him as the chairman seeking to be allowed to hold a meeting and elect a chair, vice chair and the secretary of the branch.