Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) partymembers are today set to to hold their first ever grassroots elections in the absence of party chief Raila Odinga who has drifted away from party politicas to focus on the AUC chairmanship bid.
This landmark event marks a new phase in the party’s leadership structure as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
By Tuesday, ODM had dispatched election materials and the membership register to all 47 counties, ensuring the readiness for the one-day election marathon.
Members at the polling stations will elect 30 new officials, who will serve in three key categories: mainstream, youth league, and women league.
In the mainstream category, positions up for election include chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, organizing secretary, treasurer, women leader, youth leader, and three committee members.
Meanwhile, the youth and women leagues will elect a chairperson, secretary, organizing secretary, and three committee members each.
To participate, each aspirant is required to pay a Sh100 fee. The elections will take place at four tiers of delegates: polling station level, ward level, constituency (branch) level, and county level.
Emily Awita, chairperson of the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), expressed confidence that the exercise will bring in new leadership to strengthen the party.
She emphasized the importance of a peaceful and orderly election process, acknowledging the history of past election-related violence.
“Elections will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:00 PM. We encourage all members to participate in large numbers to ensure we elect leaders who represent the party’s vision,” Awita said.
Awita also highlighted the changes within the party’s leadership structure, including the disbandment of the National Elections Board and the formation of the NECC, which will oversee the election process.
The NECC is seen as the heart of the party, tasked with making key decisions to ensure cohesion and strong performance in future elections.
The ODM party is focusing on ushering in fresh leadership as it seeks to lay a strong foundation for the 2027 elections. The training and deployment of elections coordinating officers to all regions were confirmed in preparation for the voting process.
Only registered members will be eligible to vote, and membership registers will be available in all 47 counties by the end of business on Tuesday.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth, transparent, and fair election process that will bring in leaders who will drive the party forward,” said Awita.
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