The patron of the Machele Foundation cum politician Mohamed Soud Machele has refuted claims he is planning to quit the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of next year’s general elections.

He insisted he is in the race to succeed Mvita MP Abdullswamad Nassir who has declared his interest to succeed Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho whose tenure comes to an end after serving his last term.   

"I am in the race to succeed the incumbent and I am ready to face my opponents during the party primaries," he pointed out.

Machele said he is confident the party will conduct its primaries in a free and fair manner ahead of the polls.

He spoke when he led his supporters to pay a courtesy call on ODM Mombasa county chairperson Mohamed Hamid Hamisi alias Dee at the local party branch office in Mombasa.

The Mombasa politician who caused a stir along the central business district area when he brought business to a standstill during a procession warned his critics to brace for a tough battle during the party primaries.  

Machele said he is prepared to take his opponents head on during the party nominations.  

On his part, the local party boss urged all aspirants to ensure their supporters are registered as party members.

Dee cautioned party aspirants that only party members will be allowed to take part during the party primaries to elect their preferred candidates. He cautioned them to stop taking things for granted insisting no one will be allowed to take part during the ODM primaries  without being a registered party member.

"I am appealing to aspirants to avoid divisive politics and being arrogant in the countdown to the 2022 general elections," he said.

The ODM party branch boss appealed to party aspirants to have faith in his leadership assuring them that they will conduct free and fair nominations.