Catherine Okoth Accused of Bribing ODM Electoral Official to Retain Seat
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Embattled ODM Nairobi County Chairlady Catherine Okoth is facing serious allegations of electoral malpractice ahead of the party’s primaries for the Nairobi Woman Representative position.
According to credible sources within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Catherine, in collaboration with ODM Nairobi County Chairman George Aladwa, is alleged to have engaged in a covert meeting with Richard Tairo, a member of the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC). The meeting, reportedly held over an entire day, is said to have involved discussions and transactions aimed at manipulating the outcome of the upcoming party primaries.
A whistleblower familiar with the events claims that during the meeting, a Ksh. 2 million bribe was agreed upon as a “facilitation fee” for ensuring Catherine would be declared the winner of the primaries. It is alleged that Ksh. 1 million has already been transferred, with the remaining half set to be paid after the results are announced in her favor.
“The man at the center is Tairo. He collects the money on behalf of the other committee members,” the whistleblower stated. “He asked Catherine to give them Ksh 2 million — Ksh 1 million was wired yesterday, and the balance will be settled once she is declared the winner.”
These allegations come at a time when Catherine is said to be losing favor among grassroots ODM supporters, particularly women leaders within the party who are demanding a change in leadership. She faces stiff competition from Rosemary Okuto, a rising political figure with strong support from party members and civil society circles.
If substantiated, these claims could significantly impact the credibility of ODM’s internal electoral process and raise questions about the party’s commitment to free and fair nominations.
Efforts to reach Catherine Okoth, George Aladwa, and Richard Tairo for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
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