Chaos has gripped Kasipul Constituency in the run-up to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party nominations. Aspirants for the vacant parliamentary seat are crying foul, claiming the party is quietly setting up a flawed process that favors select candidates.
With only four days left before the primaries, they accuse party leaders of playing games with democracy by withholding critical details and potentially planning to rig the exercise.
The uncertainty has heightened tension, and many believe ODM risks losing support if order is not restored.
ODM Chaos Threatens Free and Fair Nominations
ODM is facing accusations of deliberately frustrating the Kasipul nomination process. Candidates have raised concerns about poor communication from the party, which they say signals foul play.
One of the aspirants said ODM should have already shared details on who will supervise the nominations. “If it were going to be a free and fair nomination, by now we would have already known who is standing in this election. But to date, we have only four days, and we don’t know who is in charge,” he lamented.
The anger goes deeper. Another candidate accused party insiders of plotting to impose their preferred choice. “If you are planning to steal our votes, try somewhere else, not Kasipul. We are going to resist and remind you that this party does not belong to individuals,” he warned.
The complaints reflect a wider distrust in ODM’s ability to run transparent primaries. Supporters on the ground fear the leadership is turning the process into a secret arrangement.
Aspirants argue that the ODM of today should not repeat mistakes of the past, where nominations were manipulated to favor those loyal to party bigwigs.
Aspirants Demand Transparency
The three candidates leading the protests say ODM has failed to provide even basic information about the returning officer and tallying center. Only one aspirant is believed to have been given access to those details, creating suspicion of a tilted playing field.
“We talk about democracy, but democracy must be seen both at the national and constituency level,” one of them noted. “If the will of the people is twisted in favor of one candidate with backing from county leaders, ODM will lose credibility.”
The aspirants stopped short of naming who they believe is being groomed for the ticket. But they hinted that top officials at both county and national level are backing one individual. They argue that this plan will not only deny the people of Kasipul their right to choose but also discourage voter turnout.
Such concerns are serious, given that the Kasipul by-election will happen on November 27. Low turnout in the primaries could extend into the main election, handing rivals an opportunity to weaken ODM in a stronghold.
ODM Risks Losing Ground in Kasipul
Kasipul Constituency became vacant following the tragic killing of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi on April 30. His death left a political vacuum in a region where ODM enjoys wide popularity. The upcoming nomination is therefore crucial, not just for ODM’s image but also for its ability to retain the seat.
Yet the ongoing ODM chaos is threatening to undo the party’s dominance. The aspirants argue that a manipulated process will divide the constituency and open space for independent candidates or rival parties to make gains. “Let the people decide. Do not decide in your house,” one aspirant declared.
The bigger fear is that ODM leadership is underestimating the anger brewing on the ground. By sidelining aspirants and keeping critical information secret, the party risks creating a narrative of betrayal. In a constituency still mourning the violent death of its representative, voters want openness and fairness. Any hint of imposition could backfire badly.
ODM has in the past faced similar complaints during nominations across the country. Critics often accuse the party of handpicking favorites instead of allowing free competition. In Kasipul, the aspirants warn that voters are more vigilant this time. They insist that ODM must prove it has moved away from opaque politics.
Wrapping Up
The chaos in Kasipul has put ODM under the spotlight once again. Aspirants are demanding transparency, fairness, and respect for the will of the people. They warn that any attempt to rig or impose a candidate will not only anger voters but also cost the party dearly in the upcoming by-election.
With only days to the nominations, ODM must act fast to restore order. If it fails, the party risks losing one of its safest seats, and worse, it could erode trust among supporters who have long viewed it as the defender of democracy.
