- In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, former MP aspirant Newton Ogada explained reasons for contemplating exit from the ODM party
- He urged action due to the rising insecurity in the region ahead of the November 27 by-elections
- Ogada hinted at his support for a candidate in the upcoming mini polls triggered by the death of former MP, Ong’ondo Were
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Former Kasipul Member of Parliament aspirant Newton Ogada is considering resigning from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following chaotic and violent party primaries held on September 24.
Source: Facebook
Ogada, a well-known philanthropist and community leader, finished second in the nominations but said the process was marred by unrest, intimidation, and targeted attacks on him and his property.
Why is Ogada contemplating exit from ODM?
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Ogada expressed deep frustration over the party’s silence and lack of action nearly two months after the violent primaries.
He revealed that on the day of the nominations, his hospital was vandalised, and several of his vehicles were severely damaged, including a KSh 6 million car that was completely written off.
The leader estimated the total damage at more than KSh 4 million, citing repair costs and losses incurred during the chaos.
“This was not a mature democracy,” he lamented, adding that ‘the violence witnessed was neither political competition nor democratic expression.’
Ogada said he reported the matter to the police, but no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been questioned.
He criticised ODM for failing to condemn the attacks or offer any form of support, stating, “They never said anything about my case; none of them condemned what happened.”
According to Ogada, the frequent violent attacks may deter visionary members and erode the party’s credibility in Kasipul Constituency.
Source: Facebook
How is security in Kasipul?
The former aspirant also raised concerns about the security situation in the area ahead of the November 27 mini polls, especially following the murder of two individuals during campaign activities on Thursday, November 6.
“With the continued attacks in the constituency, we are not sure about the security in Kasipul,” he said, urging authorities to step in and ensure peaceful by-elections. “We are only here to do politics. Whoever will be elected will be the area MP.”
Further, Ogada hinted at supporting independent candidate and businessman Philip Aroko, sharing a cryptic Facebook post captioned, “This time it won’t be a walk in the park.”
However, he clarified that he would announce his preferred candidate in due course, while standing firm in his call for security reinforcement and political accountability.
Is IEBC probing Kasipul murders?
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expressed deep concern over the murder of the two people ahead of the upcoming mini-polls.
The commission dispatched a special investigation team to the area to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon emphasised that such violence undermines democratic principles and poses a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process.
He stressed that peaceful participation and respect for human life are essential for democracy to flourish.
The commission also warned that failure to adhere to the electoral code could lead to severe penalties, including the disqualification of candidates or political parties found responsible.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
