By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Busia county ODM election has experienced a faction after two teams emerged claiming the chairmanship position. The team led by Busia governor Paul Otwoma claimed to have won the election while the other led by Matayos MP Geofrey Odanga who had been serving as the country chairperson claimed that no election was held.
Governor Otwoma while speaking at Budokomi cereal store where the election was held said the delegates have given him an opportunity to make the party great again in the county. He added that there was a need for the party to get a leader who will bring the members together, a mandate he is determined to fulfill.
“For those who have been given the mandate, let’s bring other people on board because ODM is family. I am going to work for all the members of the ODM and we are going to defend this territory to be a 100% ODM zone.” Said the governor.
The governor said the outgoing chairperson had enough time to help the party and there is need for him to support others.
“The former chairperson has had more than 10 years of chairmanship, what does he need to prove? Where is the problem if members say that they need another person? If he will get an ODM ticket, I will support him so that we ensure the party secures all the seats in the county.”
Busia woman Rep Catherine Omanya called all who were competing in the position to join the declared team so that they could build the party.
“We are urging all who want to be leaders to join them and move the agenda of the party ahead and its stability. This team is an able one and I have trust in them that they will make our party greater in our county.” she said.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Mudenyo asked the governor to champion for the needs of the people of Busia in the party.
“People of Busia County are looking up to you to champion for their needs in the party. Let our people get their portion in the party through your leadership and are going to fight more for the rights of our people. We want those who have been serving to support this team as their leaders as we move forward.” He said.
The other faction led by the Matayos MP Geofrey Odanga insisted that no election had been held. While addressing the press at the Busia County ODM office, he insisted that he is still the chairperson of the party.
“We got to the venue early in the morning to vote but before people aligned to the governor and were not bonified as delegates came to and tempered with the process. The governor himself believes to be the candidate and yet he is not even a delegate. They assaulted the chairperson, secretary and returning officers of the county election committee.” He said.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya stated that delegates from his constituency had been locked out adding that fresh elections should be organized soon.
“We have had chaos at the election that has left some officials injured. I want to condemn these cases and state it clearly that no election was done. I want to urge the National election board to organize a fresh election. I want those who brought goons and assaulted election officers to be arrested and charged. ‘he said
The MP claimed that the lack of enough security at the center was one of the causes of chaos that were witnessed.
“We need fresh elections with maximum security and at a more secure venue. What has been done today is null and void because what has happened today is a shame to us. We have enough evidence to show that there was a lot of violence at the venue and that makes it null and void.” He said.
