The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Monday, April, 10 denied media reports alleging a change of party leadership in Kakamega County.
In a statement, the ODM National Elections Board (NEB) chairperson Catherine Mumma clarified that the party has not endorsed any changes to its leadership in any county.
The clarification came in the wake of reports of wrangles between Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and County Women Representative Elsie Muhanda over the party leadership in the county.
Muhanda had disputed the declaration by a section of ODM delegates in Kakamega who had endorsed Governor Barasa as ODM chair in the County.
"As the party organ mandated to carryout elections within the party including the election of party officials, we wish to remind our party members, supporters, and the public in general that no elections or replacement of officials will take place without the approval of NEB as provided in law," read part of the ODM statement.
The party revealed that the National Delegates Convention held on February 26, 2022, passed a resolution to defer party grassroots elections to a yet-to-be-fixed date in 2023.
Speaking on Saturday, 8, 2023, during a burial ceremony at Lubanga village in Matungu constituency, Governor Barasa told the gathering that he was fully endorsed as the ODM chairman in Kakamega.
Muhanda had claimed her life was in danger, alleging youths associated with Governor Barasa warned her against visiting Matungu constituency.
However, ODM maintained that all office bearers will continue serving the party at various levels until the party elections are held.
"Should any party official wish to resign or relinquish their position, they are advised to follow the laid down procedure by writing to NEB who will then advise on how the position can be filled," Catherine Mumma explained in a statement.
Muhanda is serving her second term as County MP, having defended her seat on an ODM ticket.
There are reports that the lawmaker is eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2027, an ambition that appears to have unsettled Barasa who is serving his first term as governor.
Barasa succeeded Wycliffe Oparanya who was the county's pioneer boss and went on to serve for two terms, flooring his closest competitor in 2017, Boni Khalwale.
