This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
ODM has abandoned direct nomination in the Kibra by-election, a move that comes after the party's humiliating defeats in Embakasi South and Ugenya polls.
The decision was made in a bid to avoid another Embakasi South and Ugenya poll defeat, where the party's popularity was severely tested.
On July 26, MP Ken Okoth (ODM) passed away, leaving a vacant seat in the constituency.
Party leader Raila Odinga announced on Sunday that ODM will conduct primaries on Saturday to choose the person to fly its flag in the November 7 poll.
Twenty-four hopefuls attended a rally in Kamukunji grounds, Kibera, where they shared their manifestos, some promising to take their cues from Okoth, whose development record has been praised.
ODM's National Elections Board will subject the aspirants to a vetting process on Tuesday, which will see non-loyal aspirants weeded out.
On September 3, the party will submit its nominee to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
ODM's move to abandon direct nomination is seen as a bid to avoid a falling-out that could cost it the seat, barely seven months after it was left heavily bruised in the Ugenya and Embakasi South polls.
