The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) primaries in Kasipul Constituency were on Wednesday marred by chaos, delaying the start of the exercise that was expected to begin at 8 am.
The party confirmed in a statement that one of the aspirants, Newton Ogada, is alleged to have stormed the election materials distribution centre with a group of hired youths, disrupting the process and issuing threats to election officials.
The incident reportedly created panic among staff, including the Returning Officer, forcing a temporary suspension of activities at the centre.
ODM further stated that the situation was aggravated by the unexpected arrival of HomaBay County Deputy Governor, Oyugi Magwanga, who is not a candidate in the primaries. His presence, according to the party, added to the tension and further delayed the start of the nomination exercise.
The Chairperson of the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), Emily Awitta, condemned the acts of intimidation and disruption, terming them “barbaric and egregious.”
She noted that all aspirants had, during a meeting held in Nairobi on September 16, committed to conducting themselves peacefully and ensuring a transparent exercise.
“We expect calmness, friendliness and sobriety during the exercise. This should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bent on disrupting the process, issuing threats to election officials, and causing unnecessary delays,” Awitta said.
She emphasized that any aspirant found culpable of misconduct risked facing stern disciplinary measures, including outright disqualification from the primaries.
Despite the disruption, the party assured its members and supporters in Kasipul Constituency that the primaries would continue and be concluded before close of business at 5 pm today.
“We want to assure our members and supporters that we shall do everything possible to ensure the exercise goes on peacefully,” Awitta stated, adding that ODM remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible nomination process.
As the nomination exercise resumes under heightened attention, the ODM leadership faces the twin task of maintaining order and ensuring credibility.
The party’s statement reflects its determination to conclude the exercise peacefully and on schedule, but the spotlight now turns to how effectively it enforces discipline among aspirants and reins in disruptive behavior.
