This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
June 30, 2021 - In a bid to attract new supporters, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has waived its membership fees for three months. The party's Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, announced the move, citing the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the reasons.
According to Sifuna, the party leader, Raila Odinga, has directed him to waive the membership fee for anyone wishing to join the party from July 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021. This move is part of the party's strategy to boost its membership ahead of the 2022 general elections.
ODM is not alone in this effort. Other political parties, including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) associated with Deputy President William Ruto, have also launched mass registration exercises to increase their membership.
UDA's regional coordinators are leading the registration drives in all 47 counties, while ODM's Sifuna urged those interested in joining the party to take advantage of the three-month window without paying any fees.
