Muluka, Osotsi clash over ANC grassroots polls

Amani National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Barack Muluka address media in Busia on April 13, 2019. [Photo: Ignatius Odanga/Standard]

A top official of Amani National Congress (ANC) has dismissed claims that ongoing grassroots elections are being done against the party's constitution. ANC Secretary General Barack Muluka yesterday said in Busia the polls had been authorised by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“The elections we are conducting are in line with a resolution of the National Executive Committee, which was also attended by the Party’s Parliamentary Group,” said Mr Muluka (pictured). He was responding to ANC nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi who had earlier warned the party against conducting such elections.

 Mr Osotsi had said it was illegal since the National Elections Board did not recommend that polls be conducted. Muluka wondered why Osotsi was asking supporters of the party not to take part in the elections when they had been endorsed by top party organs.

“It is ridiculous for one to wake up and say that elections we are holding across the country are not supported by the law. We are asking him to remain calm and wait for the court’s verdict on the case about his expulsion,” said Muluka. Osotsi said the elections were a scheme to cover up the internal issues the party was facing.