Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has called for the immediate removal of John Anitara Ketora as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Youth League Leader, citing violations of both Kenyan law and the party’s own constitution.
In a letter addressed to ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, Alai argued that Ketora, who was born on 12th August 1984, is 41 years old and therefore ineligible to hold a youth leadership position, which is reserved for individuals aged between 18 and 34. According to Alai, Ketora ceased to qualify as a youth on 12th August 2019.
“Mr. Ketora’s continued occupation of the office is therefore patently illegal, null, and void,” Alai stated. He emphasized that ODM has a legal and constitutional obligation to uphold both the law and its own governing documents, referencing Article 260 of the Constitution, Article 20 of the ODM Constitution, and the Political Parties Act.
Alai warned that the situation disenfranchises young party members and could amount to misuse of public resources, noting that ODM receives state funding. He urged the National Executive Committee (NEC), through the National Elections Board (NEB), to organize “fresh, transparent, and democratic elections” for the youth leadership position within 60 days.
He also demanded that ODM publish a clear election roadmap within 14 days, including a list of eligible youth members aged 18 to 34 who may contest the position. Until a new leader is elected, Alai insists that Ketora should not be accorded any privileges, responsibilities, or platform associated with the office.
Alai further criticized the party for allowing a non-youth to hold a position meant to represent young members, arguing that this undermines the ideals of ODM founder Raila Odinga.
“I remind the leadership that the eyes of our members, the youth of Kenya, the Registrar of Political Parties, the Auditor-General, and the general public are upon us,” Alai wrote. He expects a written response from Ong’wen within seven days.
