By Peter Ochieng
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has temporarily postponed phase one of grassroots elections in several counties across the country.
The elections in the counties of Busia, Kajiado, Siaya and Wajir had been scheduled for Saturday. Also postponed are the elections planned for Monday and Tuesday next week.
The party led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the decision had been taken due to the ongoing heavy rains in the country, which has rendered thousands of Kenyans homeless, besides causing deaths and injuries.
“As a party that cares for human life, dignity and the comfort of all Kenyans, we can not carry on with the planned phase one of party grassroots elections when Kenyans are dying, being displaced and property destroyed by the raging floods occasioned by the rains being experienced in the country. We shall resume the exercise once the situation stabilizes and everyone feels comfortable,” said the Orange party in a statement on Friday.
The statement was signed by the party’s National Election Coordination Committee (NECC) chairperson Emily Awiti.
Awiti said the decision was largely based on requests from the counties to have their program reviewed.
“Large sections of the respective counties are experiencing floods and related challenges occasioned by ongoing heavy rains,” she noted.
“Having reviewed the ground situation and assessed the requests, the NECC wishes to announce that the elections scheduled for 27th, 29th and 30th April, 2024 are temporarily postponed. These will resume as soon as the situation has improved,” she added.
Meanwhile, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party phase one grassroots elections are ongoing in various parts of the country, as scheduled.
UDA members are electing their leaders in counties such as Busia and Homabay.
The elections are expected to bring forth new leaders as both ODM and UDA – the country’s two major parties, put their houses in order ahead of the 2027 general elections.
