Eugine Wabwile 
TANDAO MEDIA.
Tensions are running high in Kasipul Constituency as aspirants vying for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket raise alarm over alleged plans to rig the upcoming party nominations.
With just four days to go, candidates have accused ODM leadership of opaque communication and favoritism, warning that any attempt to manipulate the process will be met with fierce resistance from the electorate.
“If this was going to be free and fair, we’d already know who’s standing. But we’re in the dark,” one aspirant told reporters.“If you’re planning to steal votes, not in Kasipul.The party doesn’t belong to you.”The seat was left vacant following the tragic killing of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi on April 30.
Now, as the November 27 by-election looms, the race to fill his shoes has ignited internal party strife.Candidates expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, claiming only one contender had received details about the returning officer and tallying centre. Others warned that backdoor deals would erode public trust and voter turnout.
“Let the people decide. Don’t decide in your house,” one aspirant declared. “This is not the ODM of the past.”While no names were mentioned, the aspirants hinted at a preferred candidate allegedly backed by county leaders with vested interests. They cautioned that such interference could cost ODM dearly in the polls.As the party faces mounting pressure to uphold democratic values, all eyes are now on Kasipul.
