ODM nominations in Ndhiwa marred by VIOLENCE

The Kenyan DAILY POSTPolitics06:00

Monday, the 13^th of August 2012 -Reports filtering in from sources in Ndhiwa constituency indicate that the ongoing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party nominations for the upcoming by-election have been blighted by scenes of violence in several voting stations.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that voting in the Ratang'a area of the constituency have been particularly affected by disruptions as the various factions battling for the ODM ticket accuse each other of interference.

The Ndhiwa parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of the immediate former MP Joshua Ojodeh who died in a helicopter crash some months ago together with long serving MP and former VP George Saitoti. The crash also claimed the lives of four others onboard.

Mary Ojodeh, the widow of the deceased MP is currently fighting it out with several others for the ODM ticket. ODM is massively popular in the area (not least because it’s the party of the former MP) and the party nominations today are believed by many to serve as a strong hint of who will eventually win the seat.

The by election is penciled in for the 17^th of September.

More updates on this story to follow.

The Kenyan DAILY POST