Jomvu MP Badi Twalib has become the first MP to rally all MCA aspirants from ODM in his constituency to work on a strategy to avoid a fallout ahead of the party nominations next year.
This follows instructions from ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is keen to manoeuvre the delicate ODM nominations.
Raila is keen on avoiding a falling out in the party, with tricky situations that could potentially damage ODM's image ahead of the 2022 general election.
In Mombasa, three ODM members are battling for the party ticket to fly the flag in the governor race to succeed Hassan Joho, who is serving his second and last term.
They are Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, banker Suleiman Shahbal and Deputy Governor William Kingi.
Raila, on Sunday, said he will not endorse anyone and that he will let the decision lie with the Mombasa people.
Last week, Joho appeared to endorse Nassir for the seat.
This did not go down well with Shahbal’s camp, whose campaign manager Major (Rtd) Idris Abdirahman called out Joho, saying he is confusing the electorate and going against the party boss.
On Monday, Twalib said Jomvu is the bedrock of ODM democracy with 20 aspirants eyeing the three wards — Mikindani, Miritini and Jomvu Kuu — on the ODM ticket.
Twalib assembled all the aspirants, assuring them of free and fair party nominations.
His call was echoed by ODM Mombasa branch chair Mohamed “Dee” Khamis, who on Tuesday told the Star he will not allow the party to disintegrate because of questionable nominations.
“I love the party, I will not let it be rocked with such issues as scandalous nominations. This is a new era and a new dawn that, God willing, will usher in a new Kenya come 2022,” he said.
Khamis echoed Twalib’s sentiments that the party has no preferred candidates for any seat in Mombasa, Coast or any other part of the country.
“The party will support any of the candidates who will win the right to fly the ODM flag in next year’s general election,” Twalib told the aspirants.
He said for those who will be lucky enough to fly the party flag, there will be positions they can serve the party and the nation from.
“The only thing that we ask from you is loyalty. Remain loyal to the party. Preach peace and make many people join the party by registering as members,” Twalib said.
“The party has a strong chance of becoming the ruling party and there will be plenty of positions for you.”
Twalib is seeking his third term as Jomvu MP.
His move impressed several political commentators at the Coast, including Charo Mitsanze, who said a true leader always seeks to bring peace where there is a potential conflict.
“If I were a political leader, I would copy Twalib’s move,” Misanze said.
Twalib said politics will always come and go but the foundation of peace in Jomvu must remain intact.
Monday’s meeting follows a meeting with the Kisii community in Jomvu, who vowed to ensure peaceful elections and rally support behind the incumbent MP.
Twalib has scheduled further community engagements with the Luo, Kikuyu and Luhya communities living in Jomvu as he seeks to consolidate his support and ensure peaceful co-existence.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris