Fears That Have Forced Raila to Postpone Kibra Nominations

Orange Democratic Movement leader, Raila Odinga, was forced to postpone the party's nominations for the Kibra by-election over lack of security personnel.

The party informed of their decision to change the dates through social media on Wednesday, August 28. The nominations which were scheduled for Saturday, August 31, were pushed to September 7. 

"The decision has been occasioned by lack of provision of Security by the National Police Service citing a commitment to the ongoing national census exercise. 

"In view of the above reason, the National Elections Board has notified the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC) of the arising issues and the decision," Senator Judith Pareno, chairperson of ODM's elections board, informed through the party's Facebook page. 

ODM further rallied the 11 nominees to go on with their campaigns.

"The board urges all the cleared aspirants to continue with their peaceful campaigns in preparation for the exercise," the Senator added.

Police were deployed across the country in a bid to enhance security in the ongoing census that is expected to be concluded on August 31.

Some previous ODM party nominations were marred with violence due to interruptions by goons dubbed men in black. 

However, the Party's Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, refuted such claims and highlighted that they are well organised.

"We have printed our ballot papers and we are waiting for the police so that we conduct our nominations. We have our plans as a party and we do not respond to rumours of violence and chaos," Sifuna told Kenyans.co.ke on phone. 

ODM locked out nine aspirants out of the 20 that had applied for Kibra nomination. The most notable name among the 11 nominees is Christone Odhiambo, popularly known as DJ Kris Darlin. 

The Kibra by-elections will be held on November 7, 2019.

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