ODM ticket battle: MP Kaluma, Noah Ochola set for Homa Bay Township showdown

The battle for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in Homa Bay Town Constituency is shaping up to be a fierce political contest, with aspirant Noah Ochola declaring that party positions will not intimidate him as he eyes the coveted nomination ticket.

Ochola has fired a warning shot at fellow aspirants, insisting that the era of predetermined nominations must give way to competitive, transparent and democratic party primaries.

In a bold declaration, Ochola says he is ready to face Kaluma, regardless of the latter’s position within the party, setting the stage for what could become a closely watched contest involving political experience, grassroots support and the influence of party structures.

“My confidence lies with the voters, not the party leadership,” is the message underpinning Ochola's campaign as he pushes for universal suffrage in the nomination process.

His remarks put the spotlight on the contest for the ODM ticket, where party loyalty, internal democracy and the influence of established political figures could prove decisive.

No room for direct tickets?

Ochola has made it clear that he will not support a process that sidelines voters in favour of decisions made behind closed doors.

He argues that all aspirants must be subjected to a fair and transparent nomination process, giving ordinary party members the power to determine who carries the ODM flag in the next General Election.

For Ochola, the question is not simply who holds a senior position within the party, but who enjoys the confidence of the electorate.

His position echoes longstanding calls by some ODM aspirants for competitive primaries, with the party facing the challenge of balancing internal negotiations with the democratic expectations of its members.

Kaluma under pressure as race takes shape

With Kaluma also featuring in the political conversation surrounding the ODM ticket, Homa Bay Township could be heading for a high-stakes contest in which no aspirant can afford to take the party nomination for granted.

Ochola's declaration that he is prepared to face the ODM Homa Bay chairperson raises the political stakes and signals his determination to challenge established party structures.

The emerging contest could therefore test the strength of grassroots mobilisation against the influence of party leadership, with the nomination process likely to shape the political direction of the constituency.

For voters, the central question is whether the eventual ODM flag bearer will emerge through a competitive ballot or a negotiated arrangement.

From violence to issue-based politics

Beyond the contest for the ticket, Ochola is calling for a shift away from political violence and intimidation towards issue-based campaigns.

He argues that fairness and equity are essential if the party is to maintain the confidence of its supporters and preserve its tradition of internal democracy.

Ochola also invokes the party's founding leadership under the late Raila Odinga, arguing that the principles of fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity should guide the nomination process.

He maintains that Homa Bay Township has increasingly opened its political space to divergent opinions and broader clan participation, creating opportunities for young people to speak out and participate in leadership contests.

For him, the next phase of constituency politics should be defined by ideas, development priorities and the freedom of voters to choose their preferred candidate.

Zoning or universal suffrage?

Ochola acknowledges that zoning arrangements between political parties can form part of negotiations, but insists that such agreements should serve broader national interests and reflect a party's popularity.

He maintains that political negotiations must not become a substitute for fairness or an excuse to deny aspirants a genuine opportunity to compete.

His preferred position remains clear: free, fair and transparent ODM primaries that allow voters to decide.

As the contest for the ODM ticket gathers momentum, Homa Bay Township is staring at a potentially defining political showdown.

Will party structures and negotiated arrangements determine the nominee, or will grassroots voters have the final say?

For Noah Ochola, the answer lies at the ballot. And with Kaluma also in the frame, the race for the ODM ticket could become a major test of the party's commitment to internal democracy.

The nomination battle is no longer just about securing a party ticket. It is about who can convince the electorate that they deserve to carry the ODM banner in Homa Bay Township.

The ultimate verdict, Ochola insists, should belong to the voters.