The focus of the ongoing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party grassroots elections has shifted to the constituencies, with many sitting Members of Parliament striving to secure victories for their candidates.
In Nairobi, attention centred on key constituencies controlled by the party.
Officials noted that the main spotlight was on Lang’ata constituency, where Tom Onyango, a candidate backed by MP Felix Odhiambo Odiwuor aka Jalang’o, was in a tight contest with Keneddy Oyugi.
Oyugi is linked to a group led by South C MCA Abass Khalif.
The chairmen will play an influential role in various party activities, including nominations.
Tension ran high in all locations where the polls were planned.
ODM has warned of strict measures as it proceeded with branch elections on April 9.
This followed reports of violence in some wards during the grassroots elections held on Monday, April 7, 2025.
ODM, in a statement, acknowledged issues in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, Kibra in Nairobi, and Kaptembwa in Nakuru during the grassroots elections.
The party stated that the Monday exercise was largely successful, apart from the issues reported in the mentioned areas.
“Yesterday, Monday 7 April 2025, we began the next phase of the elections at the Sub-Branch level, held in all wards across the country.
Again, the exercise was largely successful, with a few cases reported in Ndhiwa in Homa Bay County, Kibra in Nairobi, and Kaptembwa in Nakuru, all of which are being investigated for quick resolution.
It is important to note that only three wards out of 1,450 had reported issues,” ODM’s statement said.
ODM also announced that the delegates elected during Monday’s grassroots elections would be the only ones eligible to take part in the branch elections scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in all 290 constituencies.
“ODM is a party committed to stronger grassroots leadership, which is why we have consistently held elections as required by law.
We have always conducted elections without fail, as confirmed by the Registrar of Political Parties in April 2024, which stated that ODM is the only party operating within the provisions of the law and the requirements of the Political Parties Act,” the statement read.
“The National Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) began receiving results from Constituency Returning Officers across the country yesterday evening.
Delegates elected during the Monday exercise will be the only ones eligible to participate in the branch elections scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, April 9, 2025) in all 290 constituencies.”
The party also urged its members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, unity, and mutual respect during the polls.
ODM has warned of stern action against those attempting to incite violence, including expulsion from the party.
Members dissatisfied with the election results are encouraged to submit their complaints to the party.
“We appeal to our members to maintain discipline, unity, and respect for each other. Party elections are similar to a friendly match, where every member has the right to choose the leaders they want at any level of the party hierarchy,” ODM stated.
“We want to warn anyone planning to instigate violence during tomorrow’s exercise that strong action will be taken against them, including expulsion from the party.
Any member wishing to file a complaint regarding yesterday’s elections is free to do so.”
