ODM elections board distances itself from irregularity claims

The Orange Democratic Movement elections board has refuted claims of recruiting polling clerks to favour some candidates in the county's grass root elections. The board's Commissioner for Nyanza, Peter Odoyo, assured supporters of transparency and accountability in the four-day elections, which will kick off on Sunday.

Addressing the Press, Mr Odoyo said clerks were elected based on their credentials rather than affiliation to any candidate.

"Our criteria for recruiting clerks was based on their literacy, experience, possession of an identification card and a mobile phone. Affiliation to any candidate was not a factor in the recruitment," Odoyo said.

The reaction came following accusations by Kwabwai Ward Rep Richard Ogindo, who is contesting the Ndhiwa branch chair position, and his South Kabuoch counterpart Oscar Ouma, who is contesting the branch secretary position, that clerks were recruited to favour certain candidates.

"People affiliated to our opponents had come to my ward to recruit clerks on the pretext they were taking the list to Mr Odoyo. We feel that the elections will not be free and fair," Ogindo said.