The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced that it will not conduct repeat nominations in Siaya County gubernatorial contest as ordered by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) on Friday.
ODM Chairman John Mbadi while addressing the media stated that the tribunal's decision came too late and as such the party will conduct repeat nomination as Governor Cornel Rasanga had already been cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to defend the seat on an ODM ticket.
Mbadi also noted that Rasanga's challengers had decamped and were now contesting for the seat as independent candidates hence no need for a repeat exercise.
“The decision is in vain and not actionable. The party is now only answerable to the IEBC.
“Why would they make that decision when those who contested Rasanga’s nomination have moved on and are either independent candidates or supporting the governor?” Mbadi questioned.
The decision by the party to defy PPDT's orders elicited a lot of reactions with legal experts stating that ODM's defiance of the ruling could create legal implications for the party.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Aggrey Mwamu advised the party to file an appeal or review of the ruling. He cautioned ODM against defying the order stating that dismissing the matter could amount to contempt.
On Friday, PPDT issued a ruling on a petition filed by Jeconia Ogutu contesting the Siaya ODM nominations on grounds that they were shambolic. In their ruling, the tribunal ordered ODM to conduct fresh nominations within 72 hours.
The ultimatum issued by the tribunal expires on Monday, 5th June, and all eyes are keen to see what will befall the Orange party after they defied the order.
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