ODM suspends repeat poll in city to avert a falling out

By MUTINDA MWANZIA

ODM National Elections Board has called off repeat polls for the Nairobi County branch to avert falling out among party leaders.

Board chairman Philip Okundi said polls had been put on hold to allow "wider consultations."

He also announced repeat elections in several county branches and sub-branches following numerous complaints from party members.

"In accordance with the party constitution, the board has received complaints from members who felt the polls were not free and fair in their respective areas necessitating the repeat," said Okundi.

There has been tension in Nairobi in the last two days following the Tuesday nullification of the victory of City Mayor George Aladwa as Nairobi County chairman.

The elections in the branch pitted factions allied to Aladwa and Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru.

Holding talks

"We will not have the elections because we are holding dialogue among party members and leaders in the county," said Okundi.

He announced repeat elections would be held today at the Kasarani sub-branch and the Nakuru County branch.

Other repeat elections will be held on December 10 in Nyandarua County, Tana River, Lugari sub–branch, East Gem Location and Rangwe sub-branch.

Repeat polls will also be held on the same date in Muhoroni, Nyando, Nyakach, Gwassi, Kathiani, Othaya, Kerugoya-Kutus and Khwisero sub–branches.

Nyamira County branch will hold its elections on between December 9 and 12.

Okundi, who addressed a press conference at ODM headquarters in Nairobi accompanied by party officials Joseph Misoi and Charles Welangai, said the process of vetting and auditing results was ongoing and once completed, they would announce the final results.

Aladwa, who spoke to The Standard on Saturday, said he was confident he would clinch the chairmanship when the repeat polls are held.

On Thursday, Aladwa and officials from seven sub–ranches in Nairobi accused Wanjiru of being a stumbling block to party elections in the county

On Friday, Misoi praised party members and supporters for turning out in large numbers to participate in the polls.

"The successful polls are an indication that ODM is a pacesetter and has set benchmarks for internal democracy," said Misoi.