The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth League has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to promptly gazette John Ketora as a nominated Member of Parliament. This follows the elevation of John Mbadi, who previously held the position, to the Cabinet as the Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
Speaking during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, the Youth League expressed gratitude to the party leadership for nominating Ketora, who also serves as the ODM Youth League president.
“We begin by expressing our deep appreciation to the party leadership for the nomination of John Ketora to the National Assembly,” the NEC statement read. “As the current ODM Youth League president, his nomination is a clear sign that the party believes in the strength, ability, and voice of young people.”
Martin Muthusi, the League’s vice-chairperson, emphasized that Ketora’s nomination should be prioritized now that new IEBC commissioners were sworn in last week after court clearance.
“It has been long overdue. The IEBC nomination list has categories, and like Mbadi, Ketora is second under the worker category in that list,” Muthusi stated.
Political parties are mandated to submit a list of nominees for the 12 special nomination slots in Parliament, representing youth, persons with disabilities, and workers. Once submitted before a general election, the list remains unchanged until the next election cycle. Mbadi’s nomination to the Cabinet has now formally vacated his position, opening the door for Ketora’s gazettement.
The Youth League urged IEBC to act swiftly based on the existing list submitted by ODM. “The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should now gazette Ketora,” Muthusi added.
Ketora is widely recognized within ODM for his grassroots mobilization and staunch advocacy of the party’s agenda. His entry into the National Assembly is expected to bolster the party’s voice on youth-centered issues such as unemployment, access to affordable education, and the digital economy.
Should he be gazetted, Ketora would bring renewed youthful energy to Parliament, reinforcing ODM’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance.
