The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party will not conduct Party primaries ahead of the August general elections in West Pokot County.
ODM Party Primaries in the whole Country are scheduled for 1st April, 2022.
ODM party officials in the County who spoke at the party office in Kapenguria on Tuesday reiterated that they have agreed through consensus not to conduct nominations and they will issue direct tickets to the aspirants vying for various seats in the party.
West Pokot County ODM party Chairman Joseph Akoule said that campaigns have officially started in the County.
He cited that the only thing remaining is to go out and look for votes for the Azimio leader Raila Odinga in the whole County.
“We are ready and we have agreed to support the seven members of the County Assembly aspirants, the Woman Representative aspirant and one Member of Parliament aspirant who are vying for the seats through the ODM party,” he said.
He said that ODM together with Azimio la Umoja leaders in the County are ready and determined to deliver votes for ODM leader Raila Odinga.
He said that they have registered close to 8000 ODM life members in the County.
“We were aiming to register 10,000 but the process was stopped,” said Mr Akoule.
He said that things have changed in West Pokot and the ODM party has many supporters.
“We are pastoralists and not for the wheelbarrow as many perceive,”said Mr Akoule.
Mr. Akoule said that Raila Odinga is the one who championed for devolution that has brought fruits in counties.
“He brought devolution and has benefited from roads, schools and children going to school because of bursaries from the devolved unit. This is ODM time and we are well prepared,” he said.
Mr. Akoule urged residents in the area to join the ODM party.
“This is the time and if we want to save ourselves, let’s vote for Raila .We are ready from Naita to Tiaty and even Uganda to vote for Raila Odinga,” he said.
West Pokot Woman Representative aspirant on the ODM ticket Rodah Rotino cited that she has no opponent adding that they are hunting for votes for their Presidential candidate in peace.
She called on Raila Odinga competitors to surrender and join him and support them later.
“Odinga brought devolution, electricity, roads, motor bikes and Kazi kwa Vijana,” she said.
Ms Rotino said that they will ensure that ODM leader Raila Odinga garners 90% of votes in the County.
“In 2013, I was in Kanu, 2017 an independent candidate and now I have joined ODM. We want Raila to be in state house. We’ve started working and we shall not relent. In the last polls Raila Odinga got 58,000 votes without campaigning,” he said.
She noted that the ODM leader has fought for democracy in the Country.
“He has been pushing for the two thirds gender rule. Let’s respect Raila and give him the country’s top seat. Pokots have prophesied that Raila will win,” she said.
ODM Mnagei ward Representative aspirant Richard Mwereng said that the Azimio la Umoja government will be an all inclusive government.
“It will unite all Kenyans from every ethnic group. Raila brought elders funds and he has promised Baba care and free NHIF,” said Mr Mwareng.
Former Pokot MP Jacob Lorema popularly known as JP 15 Lorema called on Kenyans to support Raila’s bid because he brought the new constitution.
“Ruto opposed the new constitution and we shall not elect him,” he said.
