ODM to Abolish Party Primaries, Handpick Candidates, Raila Says

Opposition leader Raila Odinga says the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is planning to abolish party primaries and instead handpick candidates ahead of general elections.

Speaking in Rongo when he campaigned for the ODM candidate in the Migori Senatorial by-election - Dr. Ochilo Ayako, Odinga said the move aims at preventing chaos witnessed during party nominations in the past.

“This issue of carrying out nominations which seem like general elections… We want to do away with it because if it continues that way then people will only keep fighting," said Odinga.

Odinga said the party will constitute a committee that will vet individuals seeking ODM tickets adding that party loyalty will be the first requirement.

“We will identify who is suitable for what position and plant them there,” he said.

He said the decision is borrowed from some of the well-established political parties across the world that have succeeded by handpicking of candidates.

Odinga was  flanked by Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and MPs Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Walter Owino (Awendo), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Mark Nyamitta (Uriri), Peter Masara (Suna West), Tom Odege (Nyatike) and Migori Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo among others.