This archive report was first published on 1 September 2019.
As the 2022 elections draw near, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has embarked on a major revamp of its structures, with a budget of Sh4.1 billion.
According to sources, the party plans to open more branches across the country, followed by coordinated tours and recruitment of members starting this month.
ODM will also spend at least Sh5 million in monthly rent and salaries for its staff as it plans to open offices in all the 47 counties to increase its presence.
The party will be moving from its current secretariat in Kilimani, Nairobi, next week following the expiry of its lease agreement to a newly-acquired and refurbished Orange House secretariat in the neighborhood.
The revamp is a response to a damning audit of its structures, which was released months ago. The audit report, unveiled by a task force chaired by Ms Catherine Mumma, highlighted fragrant disobedience of party constitution and processes, sham primaries, and poor dispute resolution machinery.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has maintained that he will not be making another go at the presidency, but the revamp has sparked speculation that he may be planning to run in the next elections.
Mr Odinga's camp has denied the speculation, saying that the revamp is aimed at strengthening the party's structures and increasing its presence across the country.
As part of the revamp, ODM has established a seven-member Secretariat Management Board to supervise the operations of the secretariat and ensure that party organs work seamlessly.
The board, chaired by Mr Mbadi, also National Assembly Minority Leader, has Suna East MP Junet Mohamed – ODM's director of elections – Mr Sifuna and Mr Timothy Bosire, treasurer, among others.
Mr Mbadi has said that the party cannot afford to let its structures go down the drain and that things must change for the better of the party, its members, supporters, and the country.
