Monday, January 21, 2013

Aspirants defect from ODM to affiliate parties


By Naftal Makori
Disgruntled aspirants who were dissatisfied with the nomination in Nyamira County have now defected from ODM to CORD affiliate parties.
Notably, Nyamira governor aspirants Peter Ondieki defected to People’s Democratic Movement and Charles Mochama jumped ship into Kalembe Ndile’s The Independent Party (TIP).
Mr Ondieki, who is former Inspector General of State Corporations, had garnered 12,469 votes against the declared winner, John Nyagarama, who scooped 19,175.
Ondieki cited massive rigging in the process. “The nominations were shambolic. Their verdict does not represent the will of the people,” said Ondieki.
He said National Elections Board officials in the county deliberately mangled the exercise: “North Mugirango, Borabu and Kitutu Masaba residents began voting as late as 3pm. The county’s returning officer switched off his phone and our complaints were never addressed,” he said.
Ondieki alleged massive rigging in West Mugirango constituency in favour of his competitor.
Mochama, who garnered 13,696 votes acquired a TIP ticket. He raised concerns similar to Ondieki’s.
After the nominations, the battle line has been drawn between CORD and Jubilee coalitions.
At CORD, a tough race is anticipated at the ballot between Ondieki, Nyagarama and Mochama. TNA has fronted politician Denis Abicha to face off with the CORD titans after Job Nyasimi defected to James ole Kiyiapi’s Restore and Rebuild party.
TNA’s Ken Kaburi stepped down for Mose Nyambega in senate race through consensus.
Nyambega, a city lawyer, will now fight it out at the ballot against CORD’s choice Okong’o Omogeni and Ford People’s Henry Obwocha.
ODM’s Alice Chae is expected to have an easy go over TNA nominee Jerusha Momanyi.


No comments:

Post a Comment