The decision by the ODM national election board to subject party Treasurer Omingo Magara to a nomination contest ahead of the by-election in South Mugirango has raised eyebrows.

Some members of the party are alleging that there is a plot to lock out Mr Magara because of his association with Agriculture Minister William Ruto. A section of ODM MPs had earlier suggested that Magara, who lost his seat following a court ruling on an election petition, be given a direct nomination. Cherangany MP Joshua Kuttuny said it would be wrong to subject a national party official to a nomination "even after the court found him innocent while nullifying the election".

Questions are now being asked as to what triggered the ODM elections organ to announce there would be nominations at the party level long before the Speaker formally declared the seat vacant. "That alone tells you that there are forces that will do whatever it takes to frustrate Magara despite him being the party National Treasurer," said Kuttuny. He recalled that in the last elections, other national party officials were accorded direct nominations while Magara was denied.

Targetted man

"Magara is a targeted man within ODM because some people feel it is wrong that he talks to the Agriculture Minister and other like minded leaders," noted Kuttuny. Last Wednesday, a press statement was dispatched to newsrooms from the party headquarters announcing there would be no direct nomination for Magara, who quickly said he was ready to face other challengers keen to oust him.

The Party National Elections Board announced it would accord all party members within South Mugirango an opportunity to participate in picking a flag bearer immediately the National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende declared the seat vacant. A statement signed by the party NEB Secretary Joseph Misoi said ODM would organise for an open nomination as per its election procedures.

"NEB wishes to assure ODM members and supporters in South Mugirango Constituency that NEB is ready to provide excellent electoral platform for all ODM candidates to enable voters to choose the best candidate for the by-election once the seat is declared vacant," read the statement. But Magara's worries if he clinches the nomination were lessened when Kisii MPs reportedly agreed to throw their weight behind him in the by-election.

North Mugirango Borabu MP Wilfred Ombui came out openly to support Magara, saying the Kisii MPs would rally behind Magara whom they believe is a team player. Already, the residents of South Mugirango are in an election mood. "We are ready for the by-election and it is a matter of time before we hit the road," said Manson Oyongo Nyamweya, the man whose court action saw Magara lose the seat he has held since 2000.

Retain seat

ODM has said it would pull all strings to retain the seat. "We are going to win in South Mugirango. The constituents gave ODM an MP and we are sure they will still vote for the party candidate come a by-election, said Public Works Minister Chris Obure and a party official Timothy Bosire.

Also speaking in support of Magara was the People's Democratic Party Chairman Steve Nyarangi. "As a party we are ready to offer Magara a ticket in case he seeks our support for we know he has potential," he said.

While addressing a meeting in his South Mugirango constituency during the Bomachoge by-election campaigns, Magara paraded Nyarangi and other party officials and declared publicly that it was a party to watch in Kisii and beyond. Ruto led scores of party MPs to the function at Nduru as they boycotted Raila's rally in Bomachoge. At the time PDP was registered, one of the party's top officials was Magara's personal aid who has since been replaced.

Besides Magara coming out to rally his Bosinange clan behind him, Ruto who has declared his intention to vie for the presidency on a yet to be disclosed party, is expected to put up a fight to ensure his ally carries the day. The ODM deputy leader has presided over numerous functions in Gusiiland, tours that have earned him a sizeable number of admirers who might be counted on in case Magara is denied a direct nomination by ODM.

Magara entered Parliament through a by-election occasioned by the death his elder brother Enoch Nyankieya and it remains to be seen if he will lose the seat through a by-election. That is a puzzle the South Mugirango constituents, who will be registered afresh by the IIEC, will determine when the time comes.