Kenya’s largest political party by membership, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is in the throes of re-engineering following growing fears by supporters that it has lost its character as an opposition outfit that robustly checks the government.

However, as candidates protest, Siaya Governor James Orengo hailed ODM for firmly defending the ideals for which the party was formed despite the hurdles erected in its way by the state. According to Orengo, ODM is currently one of the most formidable political organisations in Africa that have never deviated from their goals of representing the interests of ordinary people.

As a result of the discontent among rank-and-file members, upcoming party grassroots elections have opened new fissures and widened those already existing that have cost the party its gravitas and identity since ODM leader Raila Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding with President William Ruto for a stake in government.

Be it at the Coast, Nairobi or western Kenya where for two decades ODM has enjoyed fanatical following, candidates vying for various positions have alleged irregularities, citing exclusion of some members from the exercise that has been postponed on several occasions since the last election in 2012.

Betty Sharon, a candidate for secretary-general’s position, has voiced her frustration, claiming the selection process is being manipulated by the national office.

“If indeed ODM is a democratic party, we want to see what they will do because some people are conducting elections in hotels. They are calling people to provide names,” she said, suggesting that the elections are being orchestrated behind closed doors rather than through an open and transparent process.

The governor was speaking at Siriwo in central Gem Ward during the launch of seeds distribution to farmers by the county government. He was in the company of Speaker of Siaya County Assembly George Okode and a host of area MCAs.

The governor hailed ODM Leader Raila Odinga for his stewardship that has ensured ODM remains strong and independent.

Orengo said, “We know where we are coming from and are ready to work for the people. I thank our party leader for affirming that ODM is a strong party that cannot be swallowed,” he said.”

Orengo assured Siaya residents that his government was committed to delivering on its mandate. “We are committed to deliver on our mandate and this is only possible by working together,” he said.

Betty Sharon, though, accused a section of national party leaders of treating ODM like a “family affair” and expressed concern that the upcoming elections were a mere formality with the outcomes already predetermined. Raphael Odenyo, another candidate, expressed shock upon learning that some leaders had met in a hotel to choose candidates rather than holding a fair election.

“We want free and fair elections. Members will not accept imposed leaders. Leaders who have been selected in hotels are not representative of the grassroots,” Odenyo said.

He said all factions in the party should have been consulted if a consensus was to be reached. Mwanamkuu Ali, a party member, echoed Odenyo’s call for fairness, insisting that the election process be free from external influence.

Meanwhile, Samson Omondi, who had hoped to secure a youth position, threatened to lead a mass exodus from the party after claiming that the position had already been decided in a hotel meeting.

In Homa Bay County the elections have fuelled conflicts between party leadership in the county and the Elections Coordinating Committee, which candidates accuse of trying to manipulate the outcome.

The conflict arose after the acting ODM chairman in Homa Bay County Hamilton Orata alongside other officials disputed the list of delegates shortlisted to participate in the elections.

Homa Bay County ODM Party Elections Co-coordinating Committee Chairperson Mary Opiyo and the secretary, Daniel Ogenga, accused Orata of being troublesome. They explained that Orata raised the complaints late because the delegates’ elections were done more than four months ago. Opiyo said anybody who had issues with the process ought to have aired their grievances immediately.

“We conducted elections at polling stations in November last year but nobody raised any complaints over the list of delegates. It is unfortunate that some people are raising complaints today when we are approaching elections,” Opiyo said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report