ODM delegates backing Mudavadi ‘intimidated’

TUESDAY, 20 MARCH 2012 23:58 BY MOSOKU GEOFFREY

JIG: DPM Musalia Mudavadi is welcomed by Murang’a ODM supporters. Photo/File

ODM delegates have complained of intimidation for backing Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi as the party's flag bearer. Delegates from Muranga, Maralal, Kirinyaga and Nandi claim that a Mr Okoth working under Adhu Awiti's office in the Prime Minister's office has intimidated them after having met Musalia.

Adhu Awiti is a political advisor to Prime Minister Raila Odinga. "The chairmen of counties are allegedly being summoned and required to recant their support to Musalia, failure to which they will be subjected to repeat polls in their respective counties," stated a source who attended one of the meetings. Yesterday, an ally of Musalia alleged a wider scheme to manipulate the ODM delegates list.

Speaking in Maralal on Monday, Internal Security assistant minister Simon Lesirma claimed that some delegates names had been struck off. Lesirma warned against any attempts to infiltrate the county delegates list at Orange House. “I have checked and lists of some officials from Samburu are missing from the computers at the party headquarter. We need to be on the lookout because we never know what game is taking place since we have filed our officials list at Orange House,” said the Samburu West MP. “I found other names of people who never participated in elections. Attempts to smuggle fake people as delegates can only lead to problems for ODM. If Samburu officials are missing, what else is going on with lists of other counties?” Lesirma posed.

Lesirma and Samburu West MP Raphael Letimalo declared their support for Mudavadi. “We have no problem with the PM remaining the party leader. Musalia gives the party the best chance of winning the forthcoming elections," they added. Delegates from Samburu have supported the county voting system.

Mudavadi said it is time the party changed formula if it wants to win the elections. “If we don’t change the formula we had in 2007, we might not succeed and that is why I am seeking your mandate to be the party flag bearer. I can assure you we will get the win to form the government," he said. Mudavadi was accompanied by Information assistant minister George Khaniri and Emuhaya constituency ODM chairman Khalid Njiraini. This week, Mudavadi heads to Narok, Tana River, Garissa, West Pokot and Turkana counties.