28/03/2022
*OPEN LETTER TO ODM ON HOMA BAY NOMINATION SAGA*
We the residents of Homa Bay county are privy to the ongoing attempts by our beloved party ODM, to settle at a gubernatorial flag bearer through consensus.
We acknowledge that the stakes are high in Homa Bay particularly, and appreciate the party's efforts to use amicable methods to avert a potential stalemate.
However, we express reservations with the personalities behind this push, which makes it appear suspect.
In a democracy, political parties reserve the right to use consensus, direct picking and universal suffrage to settle at a candidate.
But these methods must be applied with caution, in contexts and situations where necessary and where appropriate and applicable.
In 2017, direct ticket issuance left a lot to be desired. It led to voter apathy and mistrust with the party. This was confirmed by the party leader, The Right Honorable Raila Odinga, who after receiving the task force report on 2017 ODM nominations and elections, acknowledged that the party did not practice justice.
The party leader has been on record promising free and fair play in 2022.
We wish to humbly request the party leader to offer leadership at this time of dire need and stop the individuals hell bent on using unorthodox means to clinch the Homa Bay ticket regardless of its consequences on the bigger picture. A political contest is not a matter of life and death. It is a contest where the majority have their way and minority their say.
We also wish to humbly advise the party leadership to desist from condoning conducts which may lead to voter apathy in any part of the county, more so in our perceived strongholds like Homa Bay.
The battle ahead of us ladies and gentlemen, is a tough one. We shouldn't underate our opponent despite the good will we enjoy from hitherto unlikely quarters.
We should recall that President Uhuru Kenyatta lost the 2002 election to HE Mwai Kibaki despite state backing.
Focusing on other issues such as gubernatorial positions amounts to lose of focus on the bigger price, which should we lose, will be a disenfranchisement of the people of Kenya who have invested utmost hope and trust HE Raila Odinga . ODM must therefore be wearing of cocoons out to cause myhem in the party and Azimio coalition for their selfish gains, be they candidates or otherwise.