ODM leaders want rebels barred from upcoming polls

Kisumu, Kenya: Some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) local leaders now want members who had gone against the party in previous elections to be prevented from contesting for various seats in the forthcoming elections, slated for October 31.

In a meeting chaired by the branch chairperson, who is also the area woman representative Gladys Wanga, the leaders told the party elections board to vet and give guidelines on whether or not those who had violated the party constitution should be allowed to contest.

In a speech read by the branch Secretary Oyugi Magwanga (Kasipul MP), the officials noted that there were many people who had expressed interest in various positions in the election despite previously ditching ODM by contesting seats on other political parties' tickets or supporting its opponents.

Elections board

"We welcome those who had ditched ODM back but we don't feel a person who had defected can be trusted with a party position. We are calling on the elections board to give us guidelines on whether these people are going to contest or not," said Magwanga.

Homa Bay senator Moses Kajwang' said such 'rebels' should only be allowed to return to the party as members. He, however, argued that they must be vetted to avoid forces which weaken the party.

“If a wife separates from a husband for some time, the husband cannot start demanding his conjugal rights before the wife is taken for blood screening. These people must be vetted thoroughly by the board before they are entrusted with leadership of the party,” Mr Kajwang' said.