By James Mbaka and Margaret Kanini
Nairobi, Kenya: Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Kenneth Marende, who was initially, expected to vie for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairmanship has quit the race.
And outgoing Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o has also said that he will not defend his seat.
The two made the announcement as party leader Raila Odinga moved to allay fears among party members over the upcoming national party elections, saying the process will be free and fair.
Raila said there were no plans to impose leaders on members and warned aspirants from making alarming statements.
“There are no positions for specific people or regions, and there is also no preferred list as alleged. ODM is a national party and all Kenyans are free to contest any seat,” Raila said
Several aspirants have raised concern over a list in circulation purportedly authorised by the outgoing party leadership indicating how available seat have been distributed among aspirants.
The party leader, however, said yesterday that the list was a fabrication of those who had sensed defeat.
“Parties are clubs and ODM is one with members, responsibilities and rules that will guide the elections,” Raila added
The former Prime Minister spoke at Orange House when Marende and Nyong’o made it official that they would not vie for party positions at the National Delegates’ Convention (NDC) set for February 28 and March 1.
Time not ripe
Analysts say the unexpected turn of events may complicate efforts to build strong structures in the party.
Flanked by Raila, Marende said the time was not ripe for him to contribute to the party leadership and that he would take a two-year political leave during which he would make a decision on the political direction he wants to take.
The former Speaker indicated that his decision was not hinged on age or pressure but rather it was a tactical retreat.
“I have over the past few days been approached and requested to contest a position in the upcoming party elections, but after weighing all the options, I have decided to decline,” Marende told journalists at Orange House.
Marende, however, said he would remain loyal and continue to subscribe to ideologies and philosophies of the party.
“I ask the party to come up with progressive leaders to transform this country and wish party members peaceful and democratic elections,” Marende said.
Nyong’o said he was happy with his achievements while serving as the party’s secretary general.
“I have done our party ODM some service and members know it,” said. He, however, denied that his age had anything to do with his decision not to defend his position.
