By Tuesday, the ODM party had distributed election materials and the membership register to all 47 counties in preparation for the one-day grassroots election event.
ODM supporters at polling stations will elect 30 officials, including 10 in the mainstream category, 10 in the youth league, and 10 in the women’s league.
This marks the first grassroots election for the party without its leader, Raila Odinga. The positions available in the mainstream category include chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, organizing secretary, treasurer, women leader, youth leader, and three committee members. For the youth and women’s leagues, candidates will vie for chairperson, secretary, organizing secretary, and three committee member positions.
To participate in the elections, each aspirant must pay a fee of Sh100.
ODM’s election process includes four levels of delegates: polling station, ward, constituency (branch), and county. National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chairperson Emily Awita expressed confidence that the elections would bring in fresh leadership.
“Elections will start at 10 am and conclude by 3 pm at the latest. We urge party members to come out in large numbers so we can elect the leaders we want,” Awita said, emphasizing the importance of peace and order throughout the process, which has historically been marred by violence.
The ODM National Elections Coordination Board also called for discipline during the elections, underscoring the importance of a smooth and orderly process.
In an effort to rejuvenate the party ahead of the 2027 elections, ODM is introducing new leadership within key party organs. This includes disbanding the National Elections Board and establishing a three-member NECC to oversee the process. The NECC is considered the heart of the party, responsible for crucial decisions that foster unity and strengthen the party’s performance.
Awita also confirmed that all election coordinators had been trained and deployed to their respective regions, with membership registers available in all 47 counties by Tuesday’s close of business. Only registered members will be eligible to vote in today’s election.
