The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially commenced its long-awaited county delegates’ elections across 43 counties, marking a crucial step in reorganising the party’s internal leadership ahead of a planned national delegates’ conference.
In a statement, ODM urged its members to uphold order, decorum, and respect throughout the electoral process. “We urge delegates to conduct themselves with decorum and respect during and after the exercise,” the party said, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and transparent process.
The elections, set to take place on August 25, will be conducted in a single day. However, four counties Nairobi, Migori, Homa Bay, and Kisumu will not participate due to logistical and internal party challenges. The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) confirmed that county delegates’ elections would proceed nationwide, with the exception of these areas.
In a separate development, elections in Busia County have been postponed indefinitely due to unspecified logistical concerns. NECC chairperson Emily Awita announced the update on the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on August 21, correcting an earlier notice from August 18. ODM assured members in Busia that new election dates would be communicated in due course.
The internal elections have also seen a shake-up in party leadership at the county level. ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna disclosed that key election officials have been expelled in several counties. “The county elections coordinators for Nairobi, all of them, have been dismissed. Also, the chair of coordinators in Migori and some coordinators in Siaya County are to be replaced with immediate effect,” Sifuna stated, adding that replacements would be announced shortly by the NECC.
The elections, conducted at both Sub-Branch (Ward) and Branch (Constituency) levels, are a strategic move aimed at strengthening ODM’s grassroots structures. Party officials have reiterated that this internal democratic process is essential for consolidating leadership and preparing the party for future political realignments and electoral contests.
As the elections unfold, attention remains focused on how ODM will manage internal disputes, ensure a smooth electoral process, and position itself ahead of the national delegates’ conference. The outcome of these elections is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s leadership and strategy in the run-up to upcoming political contests.
