Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Tuesday retreated from its controversial six piece campaigns and declared that party supporters are free to support any candidate within the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy alliance.
The decision was revealed by the Cord national coordinating committee chairman Frankline Bett who said that the campaigns for six piece vote in Cord strongholds has now been abandoned.
ODM has been facing hard times in some of its strongholds in Nyanza following the shambolic party primaries last month.
“We have officially withdrawn from the six piece campaign call. We are a family in Cord and our supporters and voters are free to pick any of the Cord candidates anywhere in the republic,” said Mr Bett.
He said that the climb-down was arrived at internally and was a reaction to calls by supporters that they should be allowed to choose leaders they preferred inside the alliance without hindrance.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s recent attempts to call for six piece voting in his Nyanza strongholds met resistance and is feared could generate voter apathy in its strongholds.
Mr Bett, who was addressing the press at the Cord secretariat on Tuesday, urged voters to respond in large numbers on the voting day warning that failure to do so would their opponents a free lead.
“There is need for all registered voters to turn out in big numbers to cast their votes and elect leaders who will steer them to prosperity and greater heights,” Mr Bett pleaded.
Some strong candidates who believe they lost elections unfairly in the ODM primaries joined Cord partner parties and have sparked off sensational opposition in a region where Mr Odinga’s word has always been final.
In Siaya Mr William Oduol, who initially claimed he won the ODM nomination, decamped to National Agenda Party of Kenya and is giving the eventual ODM nominee Mr Amoth Ratsanga a stiff challenge.
“I welcome the Cord decision to do away with the six piece campaigns. Though I know am winning I believe the idea will help deal with a looming voter apathy caused by the chaotic nomination exercise,” said Mr Oduol.
In Karachuonyo former MP James Rege will now have a date with his strongest challenger Mr Adipo Akwome who joined Wiper Democratic Movement.
In Kasipul constituency Charles Ongondo Were of The Independent Party will face Joseph Magwanga of ODM, while in Nyakach Polince Ochieng of WDP is facing Joseph Aduma.
The battle is also expected in the Homa Bay county senatorial seat where Hillary Alila decamped to PDP after the ODM ticket was handed over to Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang.
In Gem, vocal former MP Jakoyo Midiwo will do battle with Mr Elisha Otieno who claimed his victory at the ODM primaries was stolen. Mr Otieno joined Federal Party of Kenya.