Give us three weeks to prepare Homa Bay poll, ODM tells IEBC

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has written to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) asking for more time to carry out a repeat nomination in Homa Bay.

Speaking to the Press in Kisumu, ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba, Chairman John Mbadi and Director of Elections Junet Mohammed said they need three weeks.

Mr Namwamba said if their request is granted, the party will now choose its flag bearer through universal suffrage where all the 275,000 registered ODM members will vote to decide who succeeds the late Senator Otieno Kajwang'.

The three MPs regretted what happened during the delegates meeting but assured ODM supporters in Homa Bay that the repeat process will be free and fair.

Namwamba described the chaos in Homa Bay as unacceptable and an insult to Homa Bay, ODM, the spirit of Otieno Kajwang and party leader Raila Odinga.

"We are a democratic party and we will not condone lawlessness, hooliganism and conduct that tarnishes the name of the party," Namwamba said.

Credible elections

He accused IEBC of having a sinister motive for reportedly making it impossible for parties to conduct democratic exercises.

"How do you (IEBC) give us a deadline of December 19 for an election that is supposed to be done at the beginning of February?" posed Namwamba.

Namwamba downplayed claims that ODM has never conducted a free and fair election, saying that the party has conducted bigger elections including grass root elections in the whole country.

"We are the biggest party and therefore we have the capacity to undertake elections. We only require sufficient time," Namwamba said, adding that

He said the party is now revamped and the new officials will in future carry out credible elections.

Mohammed said they had discussed with the party leadership and agreed to ask for an extension and give Homa Bay people a chance to choose their candidate directly.

He appealed to ODM members in Homa Bay to conduct themselves with decorum when they undertake a repeat nomination.