Orange postpones party elections

By Stephen Makabila

ODM grassroots and national elections have been postponed.

The Orange party got a jolt after Agriculture Minister, Sally Kosgei, announced on Friday she had dumped the party.

Dr Kosgei is the latest senior party official to bolt out of ODM, and with Water Minister Charity Ngilu keeping a low profile the top echelons of ODM will look drastically changed.

Others include Eldoret North MP, William Ruto, former treasurer, Omingo Magara, and Chairman, Henry Kosgey. ODM Elections Board Secretary Joseph Misoi, however, said the postponement had been prompted by logistics.

ODM is currently engaged in a row with its coalition partner, PNU, over judicial appointments by President Kibaki.

The grassroots elections had been set to begin on March 5, and the National Delegates Conference was expected between April 8-9.

"We have pushed elections ahead by at least one month to handle issues such as membership and registration," Dr Misoi told The Standard On Sunday.

Before the postponement, campaigns had gained momentum. In Nairobi, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo had been endorsed for the party chairmanship in a meeting chaired by party nominated MP Rachel Shebesh.

"We still have Ndolo as the preferred candidate for Nairobi County chairmanship when elections are finally held," said Makadara branch secretary Vincent Juma.

Juma said Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa, who has also joined the Ndolo camp, would have his political intentions monitored closely.

In Kakamega County, Malava ODM branch chairman Musavini Nambwa, said he would defend his sub-branch position in Malava, but supported Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya for the branch chairmanship.

"Oparanya has enough experience to lead the county as the new branch chairman and if he offers his candidature, we would support him," said Musavini.

He asked non-party members to keep off the elections, noting outsiders would not be allowed to meddle in the process.

Misoi on Saturday said the ODM election board would meet this week to set fresh dates for polls.

He said the party has an election body to ensure fair elections and it may not seek the services of the Electoral Commission.

"We are carrying out civic education and registration of members. When elections are held, all disputes would be handled internally," Misoi said.