MAGARA DEFECTS TO PDP

ODM has cleared six candidates to battle it out for the party's ticket next Thursday in South Mugirango. The six are Gideon Moreka, Ibrahim Ochoi, Henry Nyabuto, David Okachi, Kepher Marube and Zebedeo Nyaboga.

The aspirants who met the ODM National Elections Board on Monday also agreed that voters' cards and national identity cards will be used in the secret ballot.

The meeting was chaired by the board's secretary Joseph Misoi. It was also agreed that 53 polling stations will be used.

After the meeting, Misoi announced that the aspirants had agreed that party primaries will be held on May 6.

The aspirants also sought assurances from the board that immediate former MP Omingo Magara will not be in the race for the ODM ticket.

Magara, the ODM treasurer did not seek the ODM nomination and speculation is rife he will defect to another party later this week.

"We don't want a situation where Magara will be sneaked into the race," said Nyabuto. Moreka called for free and fair nominations saying any rigging will cost the party the seat.

"We want the primaries to be free and fair so that those who lose will support the winner. Any fallout after the nominations will cost ODM the seat," he said.

Political parties wishing to field candidates in the June 10 by-election have until May 9 to finalise their nominations and hand their papers ou May 17 and 18.

Despite ODM extending the deadlines for submission of nomination papers, Magara failed to return his.

On Monday, the party's national election board met with all the six candidates and Magara did not attend or send a representative.

A source close to the former South Mugirango MP said Magara has made up his mind to quit the party.

ODM insiders said the party had decided to extend the deadline to woo Magara back, but when he failed to respond, it decided to forget about him.
Magara could not be reached for comment. He is currently mourning his younger brother, Titus who died last week.

Another ally of the former Trade assistant minister intimated that, Magara will make public his new party this week. He is expected to announce his defection to little known People's Democratic Party.