Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will retain the Ugenya parliamentary seat which was declared vacant by the Supreme Court Friday , local party officials have said.
Led by the county ODM chairperson, Emily Awiti , they said the party was ready to prove that it was the most popular political organ in the region by ensuring that its candidate, Christopher Karan recaptures the seat.
Speaking to the media in Ugunja town, Awiti who led a host of party officials in declaring support for the immediate former MP urged Ugenya voters to remain strong behind the party as they wait for the election date to be set.
Ugenya constituency ODM chairman, Darlington Ombayo said the party will not carry out nominations once the by elections are called, adding that the entire party machinery, right from the grassroots, are fully behind Karan.
“Rumours that ODM will deny Karan the party ticket should be dismissed. As far as we are concerned, he is and will be our flag bearer in the by elections,” said Ombayo.
Ugenya residents interviewed had mixed reactions, with some welcoming the Supreme Court decision as others thought it was uncalled for.
A voter, David Otieno said the court had accorded the local voters opportunity to settle the local political supremacy battle once and for all.
“Since the last general elections, Ugenya has been on a campaign mode and we need to settle this,” said Otieno.
However, Mary Akinyi felt that Karan should have been given time to work for the people of Ugenya, lamenting that projects initiated by him will be affected.
The Supreme Court upheld an earlier ruling by the Court of appeal that quashed Karan’s elections citing election irregularities after an appeal by former Ugenya MP, David Ochieng.
By Philip Onyango
