Gladys Wanga to lead ODM branch, rules board

Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga

Elections for the ODM chairmanship in Homa Bay ended in a stalemate after the two main rivals claimed victory.

Consequently, Peter Odoyo, the ODM Elections Board commissioner in charge of Nyanza, said Woman Representative Gladys Wanga would continue to serve as the ODM chair until the stalemate is resolved.

“Ms Wanga will serve as the chair on the basis that she is the one holding documents of that office until we solve the issue,” Mr Odoyo said.

The decision was made after Wanga was declared the winner by Returning Officer Eliud Ombori at Ober Primary School in Kabondo Kasipul constituency. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was also installed as the county chair at Homa Bay County Stadium on the same day.

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, who is a close ally of Mr Kaluma, said they decided to install the Homa Bay Town MP due to public demand.

Mr Orata questioned the validity of Mr Ombori’s position saying he was no longer the returning officer because the party Elections Board had suspended the elections for Homa Bay County officials.

“The board had postponed the elections and I believe that also meant termination of the duties of officials who were contracted to man the elections. We cannot accept what he has announced,” said Orata.

MAN COLLAPSES

Meanwhile, two people lost their lives in Homa Bay County during the recently concluded ODM grassroots elections.

In the first incident, an ODM supporter collapsed when he was celebrating the victory of his preferred candidate.

Joshua Kitoto, 35, collapsed and died at Radiro Primary School in Homa Bay Town constituency.

Witnesses said Mr Kitoto was jumping and singing to express his jubilation due to the election victory of a youth leader when he collapsed.

“The competition has been stiff hence we didn’t expect a win for our candidate. It is very sad that Kitoto has died before our candidate is officially sworn in,” said Barack Onyango.

County Police Commander John Omusanga confirmed the incident.

In a separate incident, a 55-year-old ODM delegate was hit and killed by an ambulance in Ndhiwa town.

Rose Adhiambo was crossing the road to the polling station at Ndhiwa Primary School when the accident happened.

Ndhiwa OCPD Nixon Makokha said Adhiambo, who had been elected a delegate from her ward, was going to participate in the polls.

He said the driver of the ambulance took off after the accident for fear of being lynched. Mr Makokha said the driver abandoned the vehicle at the police station but returned later to record a statement.