BY KENNEDY OLUOCH NYAMULA
As the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) gears up for its grassroots elections and party primaries, the stakes could not be higher.
The party has long been regarded as a beacon of democracy in Kenya’s opposition politics, but its past nomination exercises have left a trail of controversy, discontent, and political fallout.
If ODM does not correct these mistakes and ensure a transparent process this time around, it risks losing credibility, alienating its support base, and facing internal rebellion that could weaken it ahead of the next general election.
A History of Flawed Nominations
ODM’s nomination processes have been marred by allegations of favoritism, rigging, and outright imposition of candidates.
Nowhere has this been more evident than in Migori County, where past primaries have sparked outrage among party members.
In the last general election, the party only conducted credible nominations for the Woman Representative position and in Suna West Constituency.
In other key races, candidates were either handpicked or results were manipulated in favor of certain aspirants.
This led to widespread dissatisfaction, with many disgruntled candidates either defecting to other parties or running as independents.
The fallout weakened ODM in some regions and contributed to voter apathy, a costly mistake the party cannot afford to repeat.
History has shown that where nominations are free and fair, unexpected candidates emerge victorious, often outperforming political heavyweights.
This was the case in Suna West, where the least expected aspirant won because the process was genuinely democratic.
This should serve as a lesson to the party leadership: let the people decide.
Any attempt to manipulate the upcoming primaries will only breed resentment and division.
The Raila Factor and ODM’s Future
The urgency of ensuring credible primaries has been amplified by Raila Odinga’s recent political developments.
His failed bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship and his subsequent engagements with President William Ruto have left ODM in an uncertain position.
With Raila at a crossroads, seeking public opinion on his next move, the party cannot afford to alienate its grassroots supporters through another flawed nomination process.
ODM’s strength has always been its ability to rally its base around a common cause.
However, if party members feel disenfranchised through rigged primaries, ODM could face internal fragmentation, with aggrieved members either leaving the party or choosing to remain passive in the next election cycle.
With Raila’s next political move unclear, ODM must solidify its internal structures and uphold its democratic ideals.
The upcoming nominations will be a defining moment, not just for the party’s immediate future, but for its long-term relevance in Kenya’s political landscape.
ODM Must Uphold Democracy
To salvage its credibility and maintain its influence, ODM must conduct free, fair, and transparent nominations across all counties.
The era of handpicking candidates must come to an end.
Party leadership must ensure that all aspirants have a level playing field, allowing the best candidates—those chosen by the people—to carry the party’s flag in various electoral contests.
ODM’s credibility hinges on how it handles these nominations.
If the party fails to reform its internal electoral process, it risks a rebellion from within, defections to rival parties, and a decline in voter enthusiasm.
On the other hand, if it embraces true democracy, it will not only strengthen its grassroots support but also position itself as a formidable political force in the next general election.
The message from the past is clear: flawed primaries weaken the party. This time, ODM must get it right.
Mr Kennedy Oluoch Nyamula is a Migori Senatorial Aspirant
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