Ruto has little to do with ODM's internal problems

The ODM party leadership should view their defeat in the just-concluded by-elections with soberness and not allow emotions to carry the day.

From the time the results were released by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, some leaders could be heard blaming Deputy President William Ruto for their woes.

They accused Ruto of bankrolling and engaging in underground dealings in favour of their opponents in the mini-polls. The problem, however, lies within the party and its supporters.

The party nominations have always been a scam even in the last General Election. Party officials have been rigging in their cronies at the expense of popular candidates who relate well with the people.

This cost the party in Kisumu East where Shakeel Shabbir (Independent) won, in Kisumu West (Olago Aluoch, Ford Kenya) and now Ugenya (David Ochieng, MDG). The party leadership must acknowledge that there is a problem that needs to be fixed now.