The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has rescheduled its county delegates’ elections in Busia to Friday, August 29, 2025, even as the process continues smoothly in 43 other counties.
The announcement was made by the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NEEC) chairperson Emily Awita, who cited logistical concerns for the postponement. ODM had earlier assured its members in Busia that new dates would be communicated following an initial delay.
The elections, which officially kicked off on Monday, mark a major step in reorganising the party’s grassroots leadership. The exercise is being conducted at both the Sub-Branch (Ward) and Branch (Constituency) levels and is expected to culminate in a national delegates’ conference later this year. ODM leaders have underscored that the internal process is critical to strengthening the party’s structures ahead of upcoming political realignments and the 2027 General Election.
While polls were conducted across the majority of counties, elections in Nairobi, Migori, Homa Bay, and Kisumu were deferred due to internal and logistical issues. “The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) will conduct county delegates’ elections countrywide, except for the counties of Migori, Nairobi, Homa Bay, and Kisumu,” the party clarified in a statement.
ODM has urged members to conduct themselves with decorum during the exercise. “We urge delegates to conduct themselves with respect during and after the elections,” read a statement posted on the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) page.
In a further shake-up, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna announced the dismissal of several election officials. “The county elections coordinators for Nairobi, all of them, have been dismissed. Also, the chair of coordinators in Migori and some of the coordinators in Siaya County are to be replaced with immediate effect,” Sifuna stated. The NECC is expected to name replacements shortly.
As the process continues, all eyes remain on Busia, where Friday’s elections will test ODM’s ability to manage internal disputes while maintaining order. The party’s ability to consolidate leadership at the grassroots level will be pivotal as it prepares to navigate Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
