from Lee Makwiny

ODM Secretary General Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has warned politicians against using foul language when campaigning for elective positions.

Prof. Nyong’o says, use of derogatory language by politicians defeats the real purpose of democracy especially at this time when Kenyans are preparing for the General Election.

Addressing a Media Conference at ODM Headquarters – Orange House today on tomorrow’s ODM Leaders Strategic Conference scheduled for KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Nairobi, Prof. Nyong’o said ODM was in the process of ensuring ‘civic culture’ among its members to avoid flouting the relevant laws.

He said the civic culture was necessary for politicians adding that use of civilized language during campaigns was important. Prof. Nyong’o said that the theme of tomorrow’s leaders meeting is ‘A Winning Strategy for ODM’.

He said the meeting which brings together a section of elected officials from all the branches in the country namely Chairman, Secretary, Youth Leader and Women Leader will be used to put in place mechanisms that will help ODM win this year’s general election.

Oduya et al,

This is the statement by our Secretary General.
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He said, being the most popular party in Kenya and with the largest following across the country, ODM will embark on a countrywide exercise of voter education particularly on the need for acquiring Identity Cards and registering as voters.He urged the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons to ensure youths who are 18 years and above acquire ID’s to help them register as voters and take part in the general election.

Prof. Nyong’o said ODM stands for equality, truth and democracy adding that the Kenya of today needs a political party that can unify all Kenyans. “We would like to set an example to people that politics must have some form of civic culture to ensure that the country is not ruined” said the Medical Services Minister.

Said he “each one of us has a right and nobody is should be seen to be more equal than the other”.

On calls by some party members to have ‘repeat party elections’ in some areas, Prof. Nyong’o said the party’s activities will not be stalled by poll petitions saying that such can be handled as the party continues with its activities and programmes. He said the National Elections Board of the party will continue addressing the issues raised by party members regarding irregularities in some areas during the party grassroots elections and will soon be making a statement on the same.

Prof. Nyong’o said tomorrow’s meeting in Nairobi will be used as a bonding session for the newly elected party officials from across the country saying that as we head towards the electioneering period, there was need for party officials from all Counties to know each other for harmony.
“Soon the High Court will make a ruling on the date for the General Election and we want all our party officials from across Kenya to be familiar with each other so that we all can speak with harmony” said the Kisumu Rural Member of Parliament.

Present during the press conference were the ODM Executive Director Ms. Janet Ong’era, Dr. Joseph Misoi, the Secretary to the National Elections Board, Mrs. Judy Pareno, a Member of the National Elections Board, Mrs. Zainabu Chizugha from Kwale who recently defected to ODM from KADDU, Mr. David Sonkok from Eldoret North in Uasin Gishu County among others.

ODM Party Leader Mr. Raila Odinga and his Deputy Mr. Musalia Mudavadi will grace the occasion.