A moment of Reflection for ODM after losing two by-elections

The Orange Democratic Movement is having sleepless night s after losing big in the past two by-elections that were held on Friday even after spending weeks in bruising campaigns for their candidates.

It is very unusual especially in Ugenya where the party enjoys massive support and followership this means there is something wrong with the party or their way of doing their politics or ideologies which is what eating into it

This therefore means that the Orange Democratic Movement will embark on a soul-searching exercise to identify the cause of its loss in the two by-elections held on Friday.

ODM’s candidate in Ugenya, and incumbent, Christopher Karani got 14,567 votes losing to David Ochieng who garnered 18,730 despite running on a little-known Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party.

In Embakasi South, Wiper’s candidate Julius Musili Mawathe retained his seat after getting 21,628 votes against Irshard Sumra of ODM who got 7,988 votes.

The wins come at a cost to ODM’s top leadership who had camped in both constituencies campaigning for their candidates.

“The by-elections in Ugenya and Embakasi South are now behind us,” said Mohammed

“We thank our supporters and candidates who took part in the campaigns and the voting. We particularly thank the voters and the candidates for the decorum, civility and respect that prevailed throughout the campaigns and on Election Day. Through this, our continuing march into a truly democratic nation has been enriched,” added the Suna East MP.

The party also thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for agreeing to withdraw Jubilee candidates in the two constituencies, “in the spirit of the handshake.”

“In the two contests, the people have spoken in favour of politics of accommodation, tolerance, reason and embrace of each other and the wider national agenda.  We applaud this,” added Mohammed.

“It is line with our policy as a Party, and one we intend to carry forward in line with the provisions of the MoU between H.E. Raila Odinga and H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta signed on March 9, 2018.”

Deputy President William Ruto had earlier on Saturday congratulated the two winning candidates saying the victories are a true reflection of the choices made by Kenyans.

“Jameni wacheni MUNGU aitwe MUNGU. The hustler nation has spoken, the people have decided. GLORY TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD,” the DP stated, in a thinly veiled jibe aimed at the ODM brigade which has been at loggerheads with Ruto and his allies.

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