The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused one of its aspirants of threatening to delay party primaries for the Kasipul Constituency ahead of the November 27 by-election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 24, ODM revealed that the nomination process, which was scheduled to commence at 8:00am on Wednesday, September 24, did not kick off as planned due to a violent incident involving one of the aspirants.
"It has come to the attention of the party that the nomination exercise to elect the party candidate for the Kasipul Constituency in the November 27 by-election has not kicked off as scheduled," ODM said in a statement.
The party specifically named one individual responsible for the disruption, alleging that the aspirant arrived at the election materials distribution centre with goons.
Ogada is further accused of using the goons to intimidate the Returning Officer and other election officials.
The nomination process was further complicated by the arrival of Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, whose presence was described by ODM as "unnecessary" since he was not an aspirant.
While expressing disappointment at the delays, ODM called for calm, warning that any attempts to further disrupt the process would attract consequences.
"This should be a warning to any candidate who is hell-bent on disrupting the exercise," the statement added. "Stern disciplinary action will be taken against them, including disqualification from the process."
ODM's clarification came amid heightened tension in Kasipul, where the party was initially forced to clarify that it was not endorsing any preferred candidate for the nominations.
Concerns over possible mayhem had earlier been flagged by a section of aspirants, led by the late Kasipul MP Charles Were's son Boyd Were, whose campaign team alleged there were plans to sabotage the nominations through violence and intimidation.
Speaking on the delays, Newton Ogada, who justified his presence at the primaries, said he was simply trying to ensure there was no malpractice.
"We are with them and we are aware of everything. Our eyes are open wide. After the result, we will know whether it was free and fair," he said.
"I'm aware the ballots are not in the station. My call is to ODM to do free and fair nominations. If they cannot practise free and fair nominations, we are waiting for them outside. We have court and other candidates who are not in ODM."
