The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced the schedule for its grassroots elections in Kwale and Taita Taveta counties, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen internal party structures and enhance grassroots mobilization.
In a statement released on Monday, Emily Awita, Chairperson of the ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), confirmed that the elections will be conducted in three phases beginning in August 2025. The polling unit-level elections will take place on Monday, August 4, followed by sub-branch (ward-level) elections on Monday, August 11. The process will conclude with branch (constituency-level) elections on Wednesday, August 14.
“NECC will conduct grassroots elections for Kwale and Taita Taveta Counties as follows: Monday 4 August 2025, Polling Units level, on Monday 11 August Sub-branch (Ward) level and on Wednesday 14 August Branch (Constituency) level,” Awita stated.
She emphasized the party’s commitment to conducting transparent and democratic elections, viewing the exercise as crucial to revitalizing ODM’s internal structures and preparing the party for future political contests.
The upcoming polls are part of a national grassroots election rollout that began in April 2025, building on earlier polling unit-level elections held in November 2024. During the April phase, branch-level elections were conducted in all 290 constituencies, with a total of 77 officials elected at each sub-branch and branch level. These include representatives for the Mainstream, Women’s League, Youth League, and Disability League.
Key leadership positions up for grabs include chairperson, secretary, treasurer, organising secretary, and their respective deputies, alongside eight general committee members and delegates for special interest groups.
ODM’s internal election drive mirrors a similar effort by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with both parties aiming to solidify their grassroots support and enhance national presence. In a landmark move, ODM and UDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2025 to collaborate on national development and political stability, signaling a shift in Kenya’s political dynamics.
The grassroots elections are expected to energize ODM’s support base and reaffirm its commitment to internal democracy.
