Clash over ODM nominations

By Renson Mnyamwezi

Sharp differences have emerged between ODM leaders in Taita-Taveta County over party nominations.

Leaders, among them MPs and aspirants for various positions, have taken different positions on how nominations should be conducted.

Education Assistant Minister Calist Mwatela said he preferred universal suffrage, terming it the best method to pick candidates for various elective seats.

“I prefer universal suffrage because of the haphazard manner grassroots recruitment was carried out,” said the minister.

The Mwatate MP said the party should use identity cards instead of party membership cards in the nominations. 

“This is the only method that can be accepted by the CORD affiliated parties and should be adopted,” added the assistant minister.

Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu warned of serious ramifications if everybody was allowed to participate in the nominations.

 “The party belongs to members who should be allowed to pick leaders of their choice. To avert manipulation, the pending exercise should not be open to everybody and ODM members should be used in the nomination,” he said.

Mwadeghu and an aspirant for the governor post John Mtuta Mrutu expressed fears that if nominations were not free and fair, the party would lose support in the region, regarded as an ODM stronghold.

 “Political rivals will take advantage of this and support weaker candidates who they can defeat during the March 4 elections,” claimed Mwadeghu.