The Chief Officer for Trade in Nairobi County, Jane Muringi faces backlash for allegedly meddling in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots elections, violating public service commission regulations prohibiting political involvement by public officers.
Reports suggest the officer colluded with others to bribe delegates, offering between Ksh. 5,000 and Ksh. 10,000 to dissuade them from participating in the elections scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Charles Ogembo, a senior ODM official in Nairobi County, expressed frustration over the alleged interference.
“I was with around 100 delegates who had committed to participate in tomorrow’s elections. However, I’ve now been informed that some of them are no longer interested after receiving payments and being detained,” Ogembo said.
The accusations have sparked outrage, with activists pledging to push for the officer’s dismissal and to block her from holding any future public office.
Despite the controversy, ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) Chairperson Emily Awita assured the public of the party’s preparedness to conduct the elections smoothly, emphasizing the importance of electing new grassroots leaders to strengthen the party’s operations.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Kenya’s political landscape, where interference and misconduct threaten the integrity of democratic processes.
