Raila opposes reservation of THREE names resembling ODM party
3 min read
Raila jolted by a bid to register new political parties resembling the ODM party (Orange Democratic Movement)
Raila jolted by a bid to register new political parties resembling the ODM party (Orange Democratic Movement).
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has come out strongly to oppose the reservation and registration of three new political parties under names that closely resemble its own.
In a letter addressed to the Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu, the party objected to the move to reserve the names ODM Mpya, ODM Asili, and ODM Kamili, calling for their dismissal.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Chairman John Mbadi described the move as “offensive” and questioned the motive behind it.
They said the application for the reservation of names not only violated Section 8 of the Political Parties Act but also had a “sinister motive geared at causing confusion within our membership and the public in general on the proper functioning of our Party.”
The controversy arose after Thomas Ondijo Owiti applied for a political name reservation in a letter addressed to Ann Nderitu on March 13.
Owiti stated that he was applying for a Political Party Name Reservation for subsequent registration upon fulfillment of the laid-down processes/procedures and conditions as per the law.
He then suggested three names, ODM MPYA, ODM ASILI, and ODM KAMILI, in order of priority.
In response, the 17-year-old party, urged the political parties registrar to dismiss the applications, citing the need to uphold the law and enhance sanity in political parties’ registration and management.
“To enhance sanity in political parties’ registration and management, we, therefore, urge your office to uphold the law by dismissing the application for failing to meet the legal threshold,” said the ODM leaders.
The registrar is yet to comment on the matter.
However, Thomas Ondijo dismissed ODM’s argument, saying his party in no way bears any resemblance to the Orange outfit.
“There is no confusion at all. My Party is ODM Mpya while the other one is Orange Democratic Movement,” he said on phone.
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The former Kisumu CEC said his move to form the party has been occasioned by the bungling of nominations in the Raila-led party.
He said ODM Asili or Mpya will provide an alternative to all those disgruntled aspirants who feel shortchanged in the ODM primaries.
“The nomination has not been conducted well and I am here to give a chance to all disgruntled members. We want the people to have the free will to join either of the formations if given the nod to proceed to register one,” said Ondijo as he expressed confidence in getting the registrar’s nod.
He denied claims that he is working for some powerful forces out to wreck Raila’s political vehicle.
“I am my own man. It is 100 percent my idea considering what I have observed aspirants going through during nominations,” he said.
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