Joseph Aluru, who is among the three aspirants seeking the ODM ticket. He expressed dissatisfaction with how the exercise was organized/By Faith Matete
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominations in Ugunja Constituency were on Friday marked by complaints from aspirants, who highlighted concerns over alleged irregularities and logistical challenges as party members turned out to vote in the primaries.
Joseph Aluru, one of three aspirants seeking the ODM ticket, thanked constituents for showing up to cast their votes but expressed dissatisfaction with how the exercise was organized.
“This is not a small event, it is a national affair for us in Ugunja,” Aluru told journalists, adding that they appreciate the security apparatus for ensuring peace during the exercise, but claimed the party handled the process in a disorganized manner.
He alleged ODM had not widely publicized details of newly created and merged polling centres, leaving many voters unsure where they were to cast their ballots.
He also claimed that some stations opened late or did not receive voting materials on time.
“In Mundine ACK, the polling station had not been opened by midday, while Umina had not received voting materials,” he claimed.
He added, “This is unfortunate, considering the materials were released early. Some reports even indicated that voting was taking place in people’s homes in Alego and Ugenya areas, which is not appropriate.”
Aluru further raised concerns over the use of an online register, saying it limited agents’ ability to verify who had voted.
“That was already another challenge, because as long as you cannot confirm who has cast their ballot, then it becomes a loophole,” he argued.
Eng. Fredrick ZB Owino also voiced concerns, though he acknowledged that some of the issues raised earlier had been addressed.
He said his petition last week resulted in the reinstatement of Simerro polling centre, which had initially been merged with Onala.
“Today, we ensured that all 1,152 registered members in Simerro had books allocated to them after our complaint. I appreciate that the National Elections Board listened to us,” ZB said.
ZB also joined other aspirants in calling for the extension of voting hours to 5 pm to compensate for delays in some polling stations, where voting started late.
Despite the grievances, both Aluru and ZB urged calm and encouraged residents still at home or in markets to turn up before the close of polling.
The ODM nominations are part of the process to identify the party’s flagbearer ahead of the November 27 Ugunja Constituency by-election, a race that has drawn more than five aspirants and is being closely watched across Siaya County.