ODM elections in Kakamega postponed after voting dispute

ODM elections for county officials in Kakamega failed to take off after two opposing camps could not agree on the mode of voting.

The presiding officer, Simbauni Ndombi, called off the polls after the team led by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and another led by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera disagreed on whether delegates should vote through a secret ballot or by queueing.

Both Barasa and Nabwera were contesting for the county chairman position.

Barasa supported queue voting, while Nabwera’s camp preferred a secret ballot.

When the two sides failed to reach an agreement, they were asked to attempt consensus in picking officials, but this also collapsed, prompting the presiding officer to suspend the exercise at Bishop Nicholas Stam Pastoral Centre on the Kakamega-Webuye road.

Earlier, a group of youths who arrived at the venue posing as delegates were blocked from entering after their names could not be found on the delegates’ list.

We decided to take a break and allow further consultations before holding the elections at a later date. Mine is to write a report to the national office for action,” he added.

He said the new date will be set by the party’s National Elections Board.

In Vihiga County, delegates opted for consensus to pick their officials at Ikumba.

Zebedee Osabwa was selected chairman, Ebery Lunogwa vice-chairman, Davelsin Muruli secretary, Ben Ombima organising secretary, and Japheth Muzembi treasurer.

Pauline Amwata was elected woman leader, Harrison Ambuko youth leader, and Harrison Otieno special interests representative.

The elections were presided over by Jasron Nyangweso, with Anne Savai as the returning officer.