NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 28 – Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa has expressed shock at the nullification of the ODM Nairobi County election that was held over the weekend where he was elected chairman.
Speaking to Capital News on Monday, he said the proper procedures were followed and read mischief on the part of some contestants in the cancellation of the election results.
“Bishop Margaret Wanjiru walked out of the polls and the returning officer was able to declare me as the winner. The announcement by the National Elections Board came as a surprise to me,” he stated.
He however pointed out that he will participate in the second round elections and exuded confidence that he will still win.
“Should these polls be repeated, I know that I will prevail. I already have the support of Nairobi and this is an indication that I cannot be cowed. Anyone who wants to come and challenge me should do so but I am confident that I will not be defeated,” he said.
He further appealed to the ODM National Elections Board to push the polls forward (from Tuesday) since most of his supporters were attending a week long seminar.
“We however cannot participate in the polls tomorrow (Tuesday) since most of our councillors have travelled to Mombasa for a seminar. I am however prepared for a repeat of the polls any time,” he stated.
A brief statement from the Orange Democratic Movement director of elections John Misoi had earlier said the polls would be repeated on Tuesday by secret ballot but this was changed to a date to be announced later.
Aladwa was elected through the queue voting system in disputed polls on Sunday.
Aladwa who was backed by seven chairmen from city branches was elected unopposed after Stephen Kariuki from Starehe constituency pulled out of the race following disagreements on the voting system.
Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru who led the walk out by delegates from her constituency however termed the poll a sham and accused rivals of using people who were not genuine party delegates to win the election.
“The only way we are going to know the true delegates is through secret ballot, but they have filled the hall and called for mlolongo (queuing). It is not fair and so Starehe… we are out of it,” she said.
Other officials who had been elected to represent the county included; Ibrahim Ahmed (Vice Chairman), former Nairobi Mayor Godfrey Majiwa (County Secretary), Charles Kiarie (Organising Secretary) and Elizabeth Kimkung as the representative of women.
The election which was supposed to have started at 2pm was delayed for more than three hours starting moments after 6.30pm, after disagreements during the vetting of delegates and later, the mode of voting.
The election was also marred by near-violent confrontations by delegates as lobbying went on at City Hall.
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