Editor's Review

ODM has issued a direct ticket to a candidate in the Homa Bay gubernatorial race.

Homa Bay Women Representative Gladys Wanga has been given a direct ticket by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in her bid for the gubernatorial position.

In a statement by ODM leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, seven ODM contestants stepped down to support Wanga’s bid with ex-MP Oyugi Magwanga as her running mate.

The development comes after the Orange party, a few days ago, clarified its position on giving direct nominations to the party’s aspirants.

In a statement by the party's National Elections Board (NEB) chairperson Catherine Mumma, the party would issue the direct tickets with regard to popularity.

{Gladys Wanga. Image: Courtesy}

Ms. Mumma said that the direct nominations will be handed to single candidates in every electoral area who appear popular in a poll conducted by the party.

She also further clarified that the direct certificates shall also be issued to candidates agreed upon by consensus.

“We shall only issue direct nomination certificates to single candidates in every electoral area, those who appear popular as per the opinion polls conducted by the party and those who will have been agreed on after the process of consensus,” she stated.

On Monday, ODM chairman John Mbadi announced his decision to withdraw from the Homa Bay gubernatorial race.

The Suba South MP said that his decision was informed by the ODM leader, adding that he could even go and sweep State House for Raila when he becomes President.

ODM will hold its primaries between April 1 and April 21 through the method of universal suffrage.