Ugenya MP aspirant resigns from ODM, vows to frustrate them

Ugenya parliamentary aspirant Daniel Juma (pictured) has resigned from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party citing bias and unfairness.

This is after the party handed the immediate former MP Chris Karan a direct ticket for the upcoming poll.

On Saturday, the disgruntled aspirant expressed his frustrations and vowed to upset Karan in the by-elections slated for April 5, 2019.

Mr Juma in his press statement accused ODM of ignoring his request to have the party allow an open nomination process and give everyone interested in the ticket a chance.

A tough battle will be replayed between ODM's candidate and other aspirants who have also expressed interest for the seat.

Juma’s decision to vie for the seat brings the total number of candidates in the race so far to three.

Former MP David Ochieng who has also vowed to reclaim the seat will be vying through a Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) ticket.

Ugenya parliamentary seat fell vacant after Karan’s victory was nullified in December 2018 by the Supreme Court on grounds that it was marred by malpractices thus wasn't free and fair.

Mr Karan had appealed to the Supreme Court after the court of appeal ruled that his election had been nullified.

Former MP Ochieng was the first to go to court protesting the election of Karan.

Raila Odinga

On Saturday, Mr Juma claimed that he decided not to challenge the direct nomination of Karan due to the great respect he has for ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

“I decided not to challenge the direct nomination of the party direct nominee both in the ODM party tribunal and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties tribunal. I have opted to quit my beloved ODM to enable me seek alternative avenues of vying for the seat,” he said in his statement.

He added: “This contest will finally be decided by the people of Ugenya on April 5. I feel the party’s decision not to offer me the chance to contest the last election and this by-election is unfair and infringes on my constitutional rights as a member".

He recalled that the same fate befell him in 2016 where he made an application to participate in the party primaries in readiness for the August 8 general elections but his name was excluded from the list of candidates.

Juma claims he has the support of the silent majority who are angry voters in Ugenya and will cast a protest vote against the two feuding politicians.