Youth Storm ODM Offices Over Mathare Seat Direct Nomination

Diaspora Messenger | March 24, 2014 | 

Irate youth stormed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) headquarters on Monday demanding nominations be held for the Mathare constituency.

The youth, who stormed the Orange House claimed that one of those contesting for the seat that fell vacant after a petition will get direct nomination.

They claimed that a statement from the ODM interim team stated that Mr Steve Kariuki would receive a direct nomination from ODM.

The Mathare Constituency seat fell vacant after Mr Kariuki successful petitioned against Mr George Wanjohi’s election last year.

The youth led by Anthony Oluoch singled out Mr Ababu Namwamba and senior members of the transitional team for appearing on television and lending credence to the reports that the party intends to give a direct nomination.

On Sunday, the ODM interim team gathered at Bishop Margaret Wanjiru’s Jesus is Alive Ministry where they showed support for Mr Kariuki.

“I have been alarmed by information being peddled by one of the candidates that he will be given a direct nomination by the party with blessings from our party leader, Mr Raila Odinga, it is my view that the party seeks the views of the constituents of Mathare before making that decision,” he said.

Mr Oluoch claimed that the party leadership had failed to allay his fears and had ignored his letters seeking clarification on the party position.
“I wrote to the Interim team on Wednesday last week seeking clarification on whether the party organs have met to deliberate on this issue but have not gotten an answer,” he pointed out.

Mr Oluoch is now challenging Mr Namwamba whom he accuses of doublespeak, to walk the talk on democracy during nominations.

He underlined that the Interim ODM team ran on a platform of change and should not perpetuate boardroom deals to institute leaders on the electorate.

While the ODM offices remained closed to the rowdy youth, the party’s Deputy Director of Communication Maseme Machuka sought to clarify that no candidate had been given a direct nominations yet.

“As far as ODM is concerned, the Mathare seat has not yet been declared vacant and we are waiting for any developments before taking any action,” he told the Nation via telephone.

Mr Oluoch has however indicated that he will support Mr Kariuki if he beats him in the nominations.-nation.co.ke