Thursday, November 24, 2011

ODM polls to yield new leaders in Rift Valley



By Vitalis Kimutai
The ODM party leadership is expected to take a new face in most parts of the Rift Valley as grassroots elections kick off on Thursday morning.
The elections will take place without former deputy party leader William Ruto, former deputy organising Secretary Benjamin Langat and former vice-chairman Aden Duale.
Other MPs who have associated themselves with UDM and would not take part in ODM polls include – Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu), Zakayo Cheruiyot (Kuresoi), Charles Keter (Belgut), Lucas Kigen (Rongai), Sammy Mwaita (Baringo South), Moses Lessonet (Eldama Ravine), William Cheptumo (Baringo North), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South), Elijah Lagat (Emgwen), David Koech (Mosop), Mrs Peris Simam (Eldoret South) and Joshua Kutuny (Cheranganyi).
Ruto has been quoted saying that the MPs had since moved to UDM and they would not interfere or participate in ODM polls.
"We have no business with ODM, those claiming that we are gearing up to interfere with the elections by planting our people are mistaken. We simply do not operate like that," Ruto said recently.
Duale on Wednesday dismissed the election as a sham and a public relation exercise in the face of leadership wrangles, which have persisted over time.
"The election is meant to pick sycophants and cheerleaders ahead of the next General Election who would only endorse particular leaders as the flag bearers," Duale said.
Meanwhile, Energy Assistant minister Langat Magerer confirmed he would be gunning for the Kericho County chairmanship. He claimed that the South Rift would be pushing for Roads Minister Franklin Bett to be picked as the national chairman to replace Tinderet MP Henry Koskei.
"We have support from various counties across the country in our effort to have Bett replace Koskei at the helm of the party," Magerer said.
He further claimed that 15 councillors from the region who had previously indicated that they would move to UDM had rescinded their decision.
The Kipkelion MP revealed that the party would be using three methods of election — the infamous mlolongo (queue) voting, secret ballot and consensus.
Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas said proper measures had been put in place to ensure that only genuine members took part in the election.
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