Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has responded to claims made by Coast region commissioner Nelson Marwa that the party plans to rig elections in the coast region in the coming General Election.
According to a statement by ODM's Secretary for Political Affairs Opiyo Wandayi, Marwa, as a public servant, should not be involved in party politics. Wandayi stated, "We wish to refer Mr. Marwa to his Job Description as a public servant in the moribund and cloned provincial administration. Meddling in party politics is clearly not one of them."
Wandayi further advised Marwa that if he wishes to engage in politics, he should do so within the designated time frame. "Mr. Marwa is further advised that if he is itching to throw his hat in the political ring, as he obviously appears inclined, the window is still open till Tuesday 7th of February. We would love to meet him in the field," Wandayi said.
Additionally, Wandayi criticized Marwa's position, stating that it is not recognized by the constitution and that he should focus on his assigned duties rather than commenting on politics. "Short of taking that route, Marwa should be counseled that he is not only punching above his weight but attempting to engage in an incompatible discipline. One cannot be a tennis player - a no-contact sport - and stray into a game of rugby," he added.
Wandayi also mentioned that the era of using provincial administrators for electoral manipulation is over. "The days when village tyrants in the persona of provincial administrators were employed by incumbent Executive in electoral gerrymandering and rigging are gone forever. The Marwas of this world are better dragged wailing into the present-day Kenya."
The response comes amidst accusations by the opposition that the government plans to interfere with the ongoing voter registration exercise and rig the August 8 polls.
The recovered account cited reporting by Tuko.
