ODM has clarified the leadership of its Youth League following a controversial publication circulated during the party’s 20th anniversary event in Mombasa. The publication falsely listed political activist Kasmuel McOure as the Youth League President, causing confusion among party members.
In a statement released on Saturday, the party emphasized that the claims were “false and misleading,” affirming that Honourable Johnmark Brown Ketorah remains the legitimate Youth League President. “The President of the ODM Youth League is Honourable Johnmark Ketorah. Ignore any publication circulating containing misleading information on the same,” the statement read.
The confusion arose from a newsletter issued to some party members during the Mombasa anniversary on Friday, November 14, 2025, which incorrectly listed McOure as the Youth League President alongside other positions. While McOure is recognized as an active party supporter, he has not held any formal leadership role within ODM beyond his 2024 appointment to the youth and student league, tasked primarily with youth mobilization.
Johnmark Ketorah, the current Youth League President, was formally appointed to the role by the ODM National Executive Council (NEC) in 2016 following a recommendation by fellow youth league members. Since then, he has played a central role in mobilizing youths to support ODM’s vision and programs.
This clarification comes shortly after the party announced other leadership adjustments. Siaya Senator Oburu Onginga was approved as party leader, while Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osoti were endorsed as deputy party leaders.
The party’s statement underscores ODM’s commitment to transparency in its organizational structure and warns against circulating misleading information that may confuse its members.
With the Youth League under Johnmark Ketorah’s leadership, ODM continues to focus on engaging the country’s young population while maintaining a structured and accountable leadership framework.
