Raila Forced to Refund Millions to Politicians

African Union envoy, Raila Odinga, was forced to return millions that his party, ODM, acquired from aspirants after an alleged bungling of the Kibra primaries.

According to The Standard on Monday, September 16, Raila handed Ksh2.25 million to the aspirants who lost to Imran Okoth. Each of the aspirants was refunded Ksh 250,000 nomination fee they had parted with. 

Popular DJ Chris Odhiambo alias Kriss Darlin, Dagoretti High School Principal Peter Orero, who emerged second, Ben Musungu, John Otieno, Tony Ogola, Stephen Okello, Brian Owino, Reuben Ojijo and Eric Obayi are among the contestants who were refunded, a senior party official seeking anonymity informed The Standard.

On Monday, September 16, Raila blasted the publication over a story it had published about Kibra nominations.

In a post seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the opposition leader labelled the contents of the story titled 'Raila's Fury Over Insider Bungling of Party Poll' as misinforming.

"Raila appeals to party supporters to ignore reports appearing in The Standard today (Monday, September 6) of his supposed displeasure at how nominations for Kibra Constituency by-elections were conducted and instead focus on retaining the seat," read the post.

The story claimed that a furious Raila had pressed top party officials to explain mistakes in the party voters' register that marred the exercise, during a heated meeting on Tuesday, September 10.

The former prime minister is reported to have called for a closed-door meeting at Orange House, where he expressed his anger with the officials, who he said, could soon be kicked out to rid the party of rogue officials.

The alleged election malpractices forced some ODM MCAs to switch camps and back Musalia Mudavadi's candidate, Eliud Owalo. 

Speaking at a public rally over the weekend, Kileleshwa Ward Representative and Nairobi County Assembly Minority Leader Elias Otieno had announced that he would support the Amani National Congress Party's candidate.

"Owalo is the man who can bring a lot of changes in this area, not these other small boys who are hungry for power like of Imran," Otieno declared On Monday, September 16.