This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
September 21, 2019
ODM leader Raila Odinga is on a mission to revamp the party, adopting a new strategy to regain grassroots support ahead of the 2022 elections.
As part of this radical surgery, Raila has started shunning party officials and politicians who have been rocking the party from within, aiming to rehabilitate the outfit that has been in decline.
He has assembled a team of advisers comprising MPs, governors, and trusted allies to map a long-term strategy to regain grassroots support.
One of the key changes is the activation of branches and involvement of grassroots officials in decision-making processes affecting members.
This new approach was evident in the largely peaceful and fair nominations for the Kibra parliamentary seat by-election.
Unlike previous nominations, which were marred by violence and claims of massive interference and bribery blamed on the Secretariat and senior officials, Raila gave express instructions to the party's National Elections Board to involve all aspirants throughout the exercise.
He also adopted a different approach by letting grassroots leaders run their own campaigns with minimal involvement of the Secretariat.
“It's a new approach for us. We want to involve grassroots leaders as much as possible. These are our foot soldiers on the ground and who understand the real issues,” said Nairobi ODM chairman and Makadara MP George Aladwa.
A meeting on Tuesday brought together 300 grassroots delegates from the five wards in Kibra to strategize on how to win the seat.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who attended the strategy meeting, told the Star that ODM was pulling out all the stops.
“We will not only win but win with a commanding margin. We will hold more such meetings so members can feel part of the campaign process,” he said.
