Busia Aspirant Claims Nairobi Minority Leader Demanded Cash for ‘Guaranteed’ Party Nomination
A growing scandal is threatening to drive a wedge between ODM party leader Raila Odinga and one of his vocal Nairobi allies after allegations emerged of a scheme to “sell” party tickets for the upcoming 2027 elections.
Makongeni MCA and Nairobi County Assembly Minority Leader Peter Imwatok has been accused of soliciting millions from Busia gubernatorial aspirant Engineer Vincent Sidai, allegedly claiming he could leverage his “close relationship” with Raila Odinga to secure the coveted ODM ticket.
Multiple sources close to the negotiations revealed to this reporter that Imwatok has been positioning himself as a gatekeeper to ODM nominations, particularly in Busia County where incumbent Governor Paul Otuoma is facing impeachment proceedings over corruption allegations.
“Imwatok approached Sidai claiming he could guarantee the ODM ticket for 2027,” said a source who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.
“He bragged that Raila confides in him about party matters and had already indicated that Otuoma would be denied the ticket due to the corruption scandals.”
The MCA reportedly told Sidai that for “a few million shillings,” he could “smoothen the path” for his endorsement by arranging exclusive meetings with key ODM officials and ensuring his name would be favorably mentioned to Raila.
This isn’t the first time Imwatok has allegedly attempted such a scheme.
Sources indicate he approached another senior government official with political ambitions in Busia County with similar promises, but the official declined his advances.
What makes the situation particularly explosive is Imwatok’s public habit of dropping Raila’s name in conversations and meetings, often implying he has the party leader’s ear on crucial decisions.
“He tells everyone he’s on the phone with Baba every day. He claims Raila consults him on party strategy and candidate selection,” said another source familiar with Imwatok’s operating style.
“He’s been using this perceived closeness to extract favors and influence from aspirants across several counties.”
Party insiders suggest Raila Odinga remains unaware of how his name is being used in these negotiations.
When contacted for comment, an official at ODM headquarters expressed surprise at the allegations and indicated that candidate selection follows formal party procedures that cannot be influenced by individual members regardless of their position.
The scandal puts Raila in a difficult position as he prepares for what could be his final political chapter.
Having built ODM’s reputation on anti-corruption principles, any perception that party tickets are for sale through proxies could damage both his personal legacy and the party’s electoral prospects.
Engineer Sidai, when reached for comment, was guarded in his response but didn’t deny the meetings with Imwatok. “I have been approached by many people claiming to have influence in ODM. I listen to everyone but make my own decisions,” he said.
As pressure mounts for clarity on the matter, all eyes are now on Raila Odinga to address whether one of his vocal Nairobi allies has been operating a nominations-for-cash scheme without his knowledge or blessing.
The silence from the ODM leader’s office has only fueled speculation about potential cracks in the relationship, with party loyalists concerned about the impact such allegations could have on the party’s image ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
