Raila Odinga’s ODM party has planned to spend Sh10 million to conduct nominations ahead of Kibra parliamentary race.On Wednesday, the nominations that had been scheduled for Saturday 31st were postponed to September 7 over security concerns.
The party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna defended the high budget, saying the money was meant to make the contest free and fair.
“We want to run a free and fair democratic contest. Each of the candidates cleared will be given an equal chance to prove his popularity without any interference,” said Mr Sifuna.
Sifuna also revealed that ODM had handed the names of 11 candidates cleared to run in the primaries to IEBC.
He noted that since the party has been blamed for holding shambolic nominations in the past, a situation that led to an exodus of some of the candidates to other parties, ODM will this time be keen to avoid such a scenario.
“We are not going to entertain chaos. If you try to cause chaos we will de-register you from the party. You must conduct yourselves with utmost civility,” Sifuna told the candidates.
Those cleared are Christone Odhiambo, popularly known as DJ Kriss Darlin, Peter Ochieng, Tony Ogola Sira, William Ayacko and Stephen Okello.
Others are Bernard Otieno, Eric Ochieng, Brian Owino, John Otieno, Benson Musungu and Patrick Lumumba Owade.The by-election will be held on November 7.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Ken Okoth on July 26.Sifuna reiterated party leader Raila Odinga’s remarks that the exercise will be free and fair, and urged candidates to promote party values.
