ODM overrules branch, backs Wiper candidate in Machakos mini-poll

Wiper party candidate for Machakos senatorial by-election Agnes Kavindu at Wiper party headquarters Karen in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Contrary to earlier remarks by its county branch officials, ODM has declared its support for Wiper candidate in the Machakos Senatorial by-election.

In a statement by the party’s Director of Communications Philip Etale, the Orange party said it has enjoyed a cordial relationship Wiper over the years and recently in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) hence will back Agnes Kavindu in the mini-poll.

“In the BBI, the ODM party and Wiper Party share the common position of a better Kenya, a United Kenya and a Prosperous Kenya. We were in CORD together and later on in NASA,” read the statement in parts.

“In the spirit of NASA and BBI, the ODM party has resolved to rally its support behind the Wiper Party candidate, Agnes Kavindu to become the next Senator of Machakos County.”

ODM praised Ms Kavindu for playing a major role in the BBI both as a member of the initial BBI Task Force and later served in the same capacity in the BBI Task Force that gave birth to the BBI Constitutional Amendment Bill that is now before the 47 County Assemblies for determination.

Speaking to Standard Digital on phone on Friday, ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohamed confirmed that the Orange brigade will back Kavindu in the mini-polls.

The statement overrules the party’s Machakos branch chairman Peter Mutuku who declared the party’s support for Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) candidate John Katuku.

Mutuku had on Thursday announced they will campaign for Katuku and ensure he wins in the March 18 election.

He said they hadn’t defected from ODM, but just joined their colleagues in Maendeleo Chap Chap for purposes of the imminent election.