The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has threatened to take the National Treasury to court over what it terms as a deliberate failure to release political party funds amounting to Ksh12.6 billion.
In a statement issued after a Central Committee meeting on Thursday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the funds are a legal entitlement under the Political Parties Fund, and the Treasury’s continued refusal to remit them has crippled the party’s operations.
“Of concern is the continued refusal by the National Treasury and Parliament to comply with the law on political party funding and the failure to settle the debt owed to ODM, which now stands at Ksh12.6 billion,” the statement read. The committee resolved to explore execution proceedings against the Treasury in a bid to recover the money.
Despite the financial constraints, the party commended its National Treasurer and the Secretariat for prudent management of resources and adopted its financial report for the 2024/2025 financial year.
The committee also deliberated on the party’s political calendar, reviewing the recently concluded branch and county elections. ODM announced plans to field candidates in the November 27 by-elections, noting it would participate in most constituencies except seven of the 23 affected electoral areas.
The party said it will receive applications from candidates in the affected constituencies, with the exception of Magarini Constituency and Fafi Ward, where it intends to issue direct tickets to its 2022 flagbearers.
“The Central Committee resolved that ODM will field candidates in the forthcoming by-elections in all but seven of the 23 electoral areas,” ODM stated.
In addition, the party announced it will conduct repeat elections in Busia and Kakamega counties on August 29 and September 1 respectively. The move comes as ODM seeks to resolve disputes in six counties where elections remain under appeal.
This decision follows the indefinite suspension of Busia elections earlier this month. National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chairperson Emily Awita had postponed the August 25 polls citing logistical challenges.
ODM’s firm stance on both internal party reforms and the funds dispute signals renewed determination as it positions itself ahead of the by-elections and future political contests.
