As Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates meet in Nairobi to endorse party leader Raila Odinga for the presidency, demonstrations and chaos rocked Kisumu on Friday morning.
The residents were protesting what they termed as shambolic party primaries and accused the party's National Elections Board (NEB) of giving certificates to aspirants who lost in the party primaries.
The crowds of protesters, mainly youth, lit bonfires in Kondele area disrupting traffic and bringing business to a standstill.
Police moved in swiftly to disperse the protesters and put off bonfires that had been lit by the irate youth.
[caption caption="Protesters at a past demonstration in Kisumu"]
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Aspirants have complained that obtaining their certificates from the party is turning into a nightmare even after winning the nominations. They accused a cartel based at Orange House of extorting money from aspirants.
The nomination exercise has dealt the party a huge blow with some politicians including Funyula Member of Parliament and former ODM National Vice Chairman Paul Otuoma resigning from the party.
Some disgruntled party supporters have also threatened to support Odinga's competitor, President Uhuru Kenyatta, a move that could hurt the Opposition leader's presidential bid.
The protests come as more than 4000 delegates converge at the Kasarani gymnasium to formally endorse Raila as the party's flag bearer.
NASA principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula and Isaac Ruto are expected to attend the conference.
