Raila Odinga is considering the consensus method in ODM nominations to avoid fallout among members eyeing the same electoral posts.
The ODM leader is faced with a nomination headache in close to 6 counties where strong members of the party are seeking gubernatorial positions.
The consensus method will not only prevent fallout among members, but also bar those will not get an ODM nomination ticket from contesting as independent candidates or joining small parties.
The consensus method involves convincing some of the contestants to pull out of the race and reduce the competition of a more promising candidate.
This method has already been implemented in the Siaya gubernatorial post where Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi has pulled out of the race.
The Siaya gubernatorial seat was posing a headache for ODM nominations sine Opiyo was to battle it out with Senator James Orengo and Raila Odinga’s brother Oburu.
According to ODM Director of Elections and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, he was involved in encouraging Opiyo to step out of the Siaya contest.
“Wandayi is my friend and I was aware of his plans to quit the race two months ago. I encouraged him to concentrate on his parliamentary seat,” Junet told the standard.
He further revealed that the consensus method will spread to other counties such as Homa Bay, Busia, Kisii, Mombasa and Migori to avert a fallout after ODM nominations.
“We are building consensus everywhere, people who can step down for others are encouraged. All over the country there are people who have shown interest for various seats and as a party we want to see a mechanism to carry everybody on board. We want to encourage talks so that the best person gets the ticket,” Junet Mohammed explained.
