NOT TRUE

The Orange Democratic Party of Kenya (ODM) has refuted claims of undue influence in the nomination of candidates for the South Mugirango by-election slated for June 10.

Chairman of the National Elections Board of ODM, Eng Philip Okundi says all those interested in the seat were given ample time to collect nomination forms for consideration for the ODM nominations slated for May 14.

"The Board wishes to dispel unfounded fabrications and malicious falsehoods that there are favored candidates or that a particular candidate was not going to be cleared to participate in the forthcoming nomination exercise," said Okundi.

The immediate former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara recently quit as treasurer of ODM to join Peoples Democratic Party.

Magara said he did not submit his nomination papers to ODM over what he claimed were "fishy deals" in his former party.

The former Trade Assistant Minister said there were all indications that he was not wanted at ODM. But on Monday, Okundi asked those unhappy to stop imputing improper motives on ODM.

"The Board wishes to refute and dismiss any claims of unfairness from some disgruntled elements. It is outrageous to impute improper motives on the ODM Party leadership and National Elections Board without substantiations," said Okundi at the Orange House when he released six names of candidates cleared for the nominations.

They include Zebedeo Nyaboga, Henry Nyabuto Ogeto, Kepha Marube, Gideon Moreka, Ibrahim Ochoi and David Okachi Mogunde.

A Kisii court in December last year nullified the election of Magara after he lost a petition filed by Manson Oyongo Nyamweya.